Word
windward
Phoneticswind·ward, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈwɪndwɝd/
UK/wˈɪndwəd/
Countable noun
Definition
n. the side of a ship or island that faces the wind. It is the side that is directly hit by the wind as it blows.
n. the side of a vessel or landmass that is exposed to the wind. In nautical contexts, it refers to the direction from which the wind is blowing.
Examples
“The crew stayed on the windward side of the ship.”
“The sailors decided to anchor on the leeward side of the island to avoid the strong windward waves.”
“Navigating the narrow channel required the captain to keep the vessel close to the windward shore, where the current was less turbulent and the visibility was better.”
Examples
simple
“The crew stayed on the windward side of the ship.”
contextual
“The sailors decided to anchor on the leeward side of the island to avoid the strong windward waves.”
complex
“Navigating the narrow channel required the captain to keep the vessel close to the windward shore, where the current was less turbulent and the visibility was better.”
Real-World Examples
“Total rainfall of nearly 3ft (1 meter) was expected on the higher windward slopes, turning rivers into raging torrents and threatening mudslides.” “A maximum storm total of 30–35 inches (76–89 centimeters) of rainfall was expected over the windward Big Island.” Etymology
From wind + -ward.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Idioms
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/windward