windfall

noun

wind·​fall ˈwin(d)-ˌfȯl 

1

: something (such as a tree or fruit) blown down by the wind

2

: an unexpected, unearned, or sudden gain or advantage

Synonyms of windfall

• benefit
• blessing
• boon
• gift

Examples of windfall in a Sentence

They received a windfall because of the tax cuts.

hitting the lottery jackpot was an incredible windfall for the recently laid-off worker

Recent Examples on the Web

The $42 million loan was repaid through a lucrative government currency-exchange scheme resulting in a windfall of $600 million. — Jay Weaver july 21, Miami Herald, 21 July 2026

Dynacom and its billionaire owner, George Prokopiou, have been instrumental during the war in ferrying oil out of the Persian Gulf and into larger export tankers — at windfall prices that have at times reached $500,000 per vessel. — Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 21 July 2026

Aston Villa will receive a windfall from Rogers’ record-breaking £117million move. — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 21 July 2026

The 39-day World Cup delivered an audience and sponsorship windfall for Fox and Telemundo/Peacock. — Michael Schneider, Variety, 21 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for windfall

• aldol
• armhole
• atoll
• awol
• backhaul
• banal
• baseball
• befall
• cabal
• catchall
• cecal
• centrale

Kids Definition

windfall

noun

wind·​fall -ˌfȯl 

1

: something (as a tree or fruit) blown down by the wind

2

: an unexpected gift, gain, or help