English Reference
adjective

windy

adj.
US /ˈwaɪndi/ windy

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    having a lot of wind.

    characterised by strong or frequent winds.

    Simple

    It was such a windy day that my umbrella turned inside out.

    In context

    The forecast predicts increasingly windy conditions along the coast, with gusts expected to reach gale force by midnight.

    breezygustyblowy
  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    having many bends or turns, like a road.

    characterised by many curves, bends, or turns; synonymous with 'winding'.

    Simple

    The car moved slowly down the windy mountain road.

    In context

    The bus navigated the windy coastal path with difficulty, as the sharp turns required constant braking and gear changes.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced British EnglishSlang

    feeling nervous or scared about something.

    experiencing fear or apprehension.

    Simple

    He got a bit windy before his first solo flight.

    In context

    The younger recruits started to get windy as the deadline for the operation approached, despite their intensive training.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is primarily British and somewhat dated; modern speakers are more likely to use 'nervous' or 'jittery'.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced Formal

    using too many words to say something simple.

    using or containing too many words; verbose or long-winded.

    Simple

    The politician gave a windy speech that didn't really answer the question.

    In context

    The chairman's windy introduction lasted nearly twenty minutes, leaving the keynote speaker with very little time for her presentation.

    verbosewordylong winded
  5. 05 B2 Upper Intermediate Informal Medicine

    having too much gas in your stomach.

    suffering from or causing an accumulation of gas in the alimentary canal.

    Simple

    Beans always make me feel a bit windy.

    In context

    The patient complained of feeling windy and bloated after consuming dairy products, suggesting a possible intolerance.

    flatulentgassy
This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Frequent
Updated