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
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
However, for those who experience sudden financial windfalls—whether through lottery winnings, inheritances, business sales (selling a business), or legal settlements—the journey is far more abrupt and often overwhelming.
—
Georgette Virgo, USA Today, 19 June 2025
The winner can ultimately rake in up to $125 million, all of which adds up to much more than bragging rights — which has left Major League Soccer players asking why their cut from the windfall isn’t greater.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 15 June 2025
The full financial windfall for the school’s third national championship in men’s basketball is to be determined.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 June 2025
Of course, the company can mitigate financial windfalls with its rich output deals, like the pay-one agreement with WBD that sees A24 stream on HBO Max (née Max).
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for windfall
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Georgette Virgo, USA Today, 19 June 2025
The winner can ultimately rake in up to $125 million, all of which adds up to much more than bragging rights — which has left Major League Soccer players asking why their cut from the windfall isn’t greater.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 15 June 2025
The full financial windfall for the school’s third national championship in men’s basketball is to be determined.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 June 2025
Of course, the company can mitigate financial windfalls with its rich output deals, like the pay-one agreement with WBD that sees A24 stream on HBO Max (née Max).
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for windfall
Cite this Entry
“Windfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/windfall. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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