Search Dictionary
Definition of flywheel

flywheel

/ˈflaɪ.wiːl/
fly · wheel
Plural:flywheels
JUMP TO:

flywheel Lexical Profile

flywheel Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A heavy revolving wheel attached to a shaft in a machine to store rotational energy, smooth out fluctuations in speed, and maintain uniform motion.

Example

"The mechanic inspected the engine's flywheel for signs of wear before installing the new clutch assembly."

2

A self-reinforcing cycle or stabilizing force in a business, economy, or system in which accumulated momentum drives continuous, compounding growth.

Example

"Strong customer referrals created a powerful flywheel that lowered acquisition costs and accelerated the company's expansion."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for flywheel

• Nearby Words

flytrap
flyway
flyweight
flywheel
foal
foam
foamboard

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 18th century during the Industrial Revolution from the archaic mechanical sense of 'fly' (meaning a regulating device that equalizes the speed of machinery) combined with 'wheel'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Flywheel. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/flywheel
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.