Search Dictionary
Definition of haunch

haunch

/hɔːntʃ/
haunch
Plural:haunches
JUMP TO:

haunch Lexical Profile

haunch Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A buttock and thigh considered together, in a human or animal (often used in the plural).

Example

"The dog sat patiently on its haunches while waiting for a treat."

2

The leg and loin of an animal, such as venison or mutton, prepared and served as a cut of meat.

Example

"The banquet centerpiece was a roasted haunch of venison seasoned with rosemary and juniper."

3

Either side of a masonry arch between the crown at the top and the springing at the base.

Example

"The structural engineer inspected the stone bridge to ensure the haunches of the arch could support the heavier load."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for haunch

• Rhymes for haunch

• Nearby Words

haul
haulage
hauler
haunch
haunt
haunted
haunter

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed into Middle English from Old French 'hanche' (meaning 'hip'), which is itself of Frankish or Germanic origin and related to modern German 'Hanke' and Dutch 'heup'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Haunch. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/haunch
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.