windward

1 of 2

noun

wind·​ward ˈwin(d)-wərd 

: the side or direction from which the wind is blowing

windward

2 of 2

adjective

: being in or facing the direction from which the wind is blowing compare leeward

Phrases

to windward

: into or in an advantageous position

Examples of windward in a Sentence

Adjective

The windward side of the mountain was rocky and treeless.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The heaviest rain is forecast for windward and mauka locations. —The Sunset Ai Lab, Sunset Magazine, 10 May 2024

For plants, such walls are edges that separate patches of ground into zones that are sunny or shady, windward or leeward, uphill or downhill, wetter or drier. —Robert M. Thorson, Discover Magazine, 9 Dec. 2023

Adjective

The racetrack, situated between the Golden Gate Bridge at the windward end of the course and the prison island of Alcatraz at the bottom end, gave the sailors plenty to think about, especially the strong current that flows through the Bay. —Andrew Rice, The Athletic, 22 Mar. 2025

Wait on the roof’s windward side for the fire department. —Sophie Stuber, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1549, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1627, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing windward

• to windward

Kids Definition

windward

1 of 2 adjective

wind·​ward ˈwin-(d)wərd 

: moving or placed toward the direction from which the wind is blowing

windward

2 of 2 noun

: the side or direction from which the wind is blowing

sail to windward