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

• 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

Almost four decades later, the foundation is getting another massive windfall. —Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2025

The sudden windfall — more than double its total expenses in 2022 — was donated by Maurice Thimot and M. Rust Rawnsley, a couple from Fallbrook who wanted their money to help other gay seniors less fortunate than themselves. —Jaelyn Rodriguez, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Aug. 2025

Selling all of that cannabis has meant a windfall for the state. —Matthew Medsger, Boston Herald, 22 July 2025

Feeling undeserving of the windfall and struggling with grief after the loss of a friend, Will and his friend Hand set out on a road trip to give the money away to people who need it. —Ben Brooks july 17, Literary Hub, 17 July 2025

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