windfall

noun

wind·​fall ˈwin(d)-ˌfȯl 

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

• benefit
• blessing
• boon
• gift

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

These aren’t reluctant inheritors hoping for a windfall. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 1 June 2026

In an ironic move, the Democratic budget relies in part on a windfall created by those same high gas prices. —Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2026

One group comprises parents who retire relatively young, perhaps because of a military job or financial windfall. —Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 31 May 2026

How many of those teams use that luxury tax windfall, or revenue-sharing money, on their own payrolls? —Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 29 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for windfall

• aldol
• armhole
• atoll
• awol
• backhaul
• banal
• baseball
• befall
• cabal
• catchall
• cecal
• centrale

Kids Definition

windfall

noun

wind·​fall -ˌfȯl 

1

: something (as a tree or fruit) blown down by the wind

2

: an unexpected gift, gain, or help