1To wind, coil, or wrap something (e.g. string, cloth) around an object; also used for putting on things like scarves or turbans.
寒かったので、首にマフラーを巻いた。
It was cold, so I wound a scarf around my neck.
傷口に包帯を巻いてもらった。
I had a bandage wrapped around the wound.
母は寿司を上手に巻く。
My mother rolls sushi skillfully.
時計のねじを巻くのを忘れていた。
I had forgotten to wind the clock.
2To envelop or wrap something up completely in cloth, paper, etc.; usually used in the passive form 巻かれる.
遺体は白い布で巻かれていた。
The body was wrapped in white cloth.
魚は新聞紙に巻かれて売られていた。
The fish was being sold wrapped in newspaper.
3To go around and attack an opponent from the side or rear; a somewhat specialized term used in military or competitive contexts.
味方の部隊が敵の側面を巻いて攻撃した。
Our troops went around and attacked the enemy's flank.
4In classical linked-verse poetry (renga/haikai), to compose a stanza continuing from the previous one. A classical literary usage that is essentially never seen in modern Japanese.
5To speed up or move up the pace of something so it finishes ahead of schedule; a colloquial term especially used in TV/event production when time is running short.
番組が押しているので、司会者は話を巻いて進行した。
Since the show was running behind, the host sped things up to catch up.
収録は予定より巻いて終わった。
The recording wrapped up ahead of schedule.