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

The supply-demand imbalance has led to soaring prices and a windfall for memory and storage stocks. — Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2026

While movies may show an inheritance where someone goes from rags to riches, in reality, most folks end up with physical items rather than a luxury-inducing windfall. — Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 25 Sep. 2026

In fact, this seemed to result in the maître d’ digging in his heels even further, no doubt already counting that lucrative $150 windfall. — Mike Ryan, IndieWire, 24 Sep. 2026

Myriad people inside Warner Bros are cynical about the capping of severances and the fact that only a few at the top are bound for a post-merger windfall. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 23 Sep. 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