windfall

noun

wind·​fall ˈwin(d)-ˌfȯl How to pronounce windfall (audio)
Synonyms of windfall
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

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Under the impression that McDonnell would eventually transition all of her business accounts and incoming $80 million windfall over to it, Banc of California happily fulfilled a $15 million loan. — Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 11 Aug. 2026 Changing attitudes around pet ownership have been a windfall for companies in the pet supplies business. — semafor.com, 10 Aug. 2026 That windfall, in addition to finding savings in the budget and reprioritizing funding towards healthcare next year, could allow the state to find the funding needed to protect healthcare for its most vulnerable. — Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026 Carbonara’s novel campaign investment methods have given his campaign some windfalls. — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for windfall

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of windfall was in the 15th century

Rhymes for windfall

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Browse Nearby Words

wind erosion
windfall
windfallen
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Cite this Entry

“Windfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/windfall. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

windfall

noun
wind·​fall -ˌfȯl How to pronounce windfall (audio)
1
: something (as a tree or fruit) blown down by the wind
2
: an unexpected gift, gain, or help

More from Merriam-Webster on windfall

Nglish: Translation of windfall for Spanish Speakers

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