English Reference
noun · verb

wind

n. · v.
US /ˈwaɪnd/ wind UK spelling winded, winds

infinitive wind past wound past participle wound

  1. 01 A1 Beginner

    n.the natural movement of the air outside.

    n.the perceptible natural movement of the air, especially in the form of a current of air blowing from a particular direction.

    Simple

    The strong wind blew my hat off while I was walking across the bridge.

    In context

    The prevailing wind carries the scent of the pine forest across the valley, providing a natural cooling effect during the peak of summer.

    Usage

    Pronounced /wɪnd/ (rhymes with 'pinned').

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.your ability to breathe easily, especially during exercise.

    n.the power of breathing freely; the capacity to maintain respiration during physical exertion.

    Simple

    The runner stopped for a moment to get her wind back after the steep hill.

    In context

    A sharp blow to the solar plexus can momentarily knock the wind out of an athlete, causing a temporary paralysis of the diaphragm.

    Usage

    Pronounced /wɪnd/ (rhymes with 'pinned').

  3. 03 B1 Intermediate British English Medicine

    n.gas in the stomach or intestines that can make you feel uncomfortable.

    n.gas generated in the stomach or bowels during digestion.

    Simple

    The baby was crying because she had a bit of wind after her bottle.

    In context

    Certain legumes are known to cause wind if they are not soaked properly before cooking.

    Usage

    Pronounced /wɪnd/ (rhymes with 'pinned').

    gasflatulence
  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate Music

    n.the section of an orchestra that plays instruments you blow into, like flutes.

    n.the woodwind and sometimes brass instruments of an orchestra or band collectively.

    Simple

    The composer wrote a beautiful melody specifically for the wind section.

    In context

    The arrangement requires a strong wind section to balance the heavy brass and percussion during the final movement.

    Usage

    Pronounced /wɪnd/ (rhymes with 'pinned').

    woodwind
  5. 05 C1 Advanced Informal

    n.information or news that you hear through gossip.

    n.information or news of something, typically received through hearsay or informal channels.

    Simple

    The company tried to keep the merger secret, but the press got wind of it.

    In context

    Investors grew nervous once they got wind of the impending regulatory changes that could affect the firm's profitability.

    Usage

    Usually appears in the idiom 'to get wind of'.

  6. 06 B1 Intermediate

    v.to wrap something around something else, or to turn a handle.

    v.to wrap or encircle something around an object; to move in a twisting or spiral course.

    Simple

    You need to wind the wool into a ball before you start knitting.

    In context

    The technician carefully began to wind the copper wire around the iron core to create a makeshift electromagnet.

    Usage

    Pronounced /waɪnd/ (rhymes with 'kind'). The past tense is 'wound'.

    unwinduntwist
  7. 07 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to follow a path that has many bends and turns.

    v.to follow a course or way that is characterized by numerous turns, bends, or curves.

    Simple

    The narrow road winds through the mountains for several miles.

    In context

    The river winds lazily through the floodplains, creating a series of oxbow lakes over centuries of erosion.

    Usage

    Pronounced /waɪnd/ (rhymes with 'kind').

    meandersnakecurve
  8. 08 B1 Intermediate

    v.to turn a key or handle on a clock or toy to make it work.

    v.to tighten the spring of a clockwork mechanism by turning a key or handle.

    Simple

    Don't forget to wind your watch before you go to sleep.

    In context

    The antique grandfather clock must be wound every seven days to maintain its accuracy.

    Usage

    Pronounced /waɪnd/ (rhymes with 'kind').

  9. 09 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to make someone lose their breath for a short time, usually by hitting them.

    v.to cause someone to become temporarily breathless, typically by a blow to the stomach or through sudden intense exertion.

    Simple

    The fall from the bike winded him for a few seconds.

    In context

    The sudden sprint to catch the departing train completely winded the commuter, who sat gasping on the platform.

    Usage

    Pronounced /wɪnd/ (rhymes with 'pinned'). The past tense is 'winded'.

  10. 10 B2 Upper Intermediate British English

    v.to pat a baby's back so they can release gas after eating.

    v.to encourage a baby to expel gas from the stomach by patting or stroking their back after feeding.

    Simple

    It is important to wind the baby after every feed to prevent colic.

    In context

    New parents are often taught various techniques to wind an infant effectively to ensure the child sleeps comfortably.

    Usage

    Pronounced /wɪnd/ (rhymes with 'pinned').

Usage wind turbines · winds heavy · wind farms


* As an English surname, from wind (both senses). This surname also appears in Dutch, Danish, Swedish, and German with the same senses, such as Wint. Compare De Wind. * Also as a German surname, variant of Wendt.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin German -
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Very common
Updated