windward

1 of 2

noun

wind·​ward ˈwin(d)-wərd How to pronounce windward (audio)
Synonyms of windwardnext
: the side or direction from which the wind is blowing
see also:
to windward

windward

2 of 2

adjective

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

Examples of windward in a Sentence

Adjective The windward side of the mountain was rocky and treeless.
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.
Noun
Rainfall predictions for this weekend for the southeast and windward sides of the Big Island were 5 to 10 inches (13 to 25 centimeters), with as much as 15 inches (38 centimeters) in isolated areas, Oswant said. — ABC News, 22 Aug. 2026 That storm dumped torrential rain — more than 3 feet in spots on the windward side of the island — that triggered damaging landslides and flash flooding that cut off small communities, destroyed homes and damaged critical infrastructure. — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
Adjective
All of the greatest rainfall numbers were along the windward side of the Big Island, where 20 to 40 inches of rain were reported, according to Patrick Blood with the weather service. — Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 17 Aug. 2026 Most of the time, the winds come from the northeast and Hawaii’s mountains keep the majority of precipitation on that windward side. — Evan Bush, NBC news, 20 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for windward

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1550, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1615, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of windward was circa 1550

Phrases Containing windward

Browse Nearby Words

wind vane
windward
Windward Islands
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Windward.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/windward. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

windward

1 of 2 adjective
wind·​ward ˈwin-(d)wərd How to pronounce windward (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on windward

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for windward

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