Definition of windmill
1a : a mill or machine operated by the wind usually acting on oblique vanes or sails that radiate from a horizontal shaft; especially : a wind-driven water pump or electric generatorb : the wind-driven wheel of a windmill
2 : something that resembles or suggests a windmill; especially : a calisthenic exercise that involves alternately lowering each outstretched hand to touch the toes of the opposite foot
3 [from the episode in Don Quixote by Cervantes in which the hero attacks windmills under the illusion that they are giants] : an imaginary wrong, evil, or opponent —usually used in the phrase to tilt at windmills
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Illustration of windmill
13th Century
First Known Use of windmill
13th century
windmill
Definition of windmill
transitive verb
: to cause to move like a windmill
intransitive verb
: to move like a windmill; especially : to spin from the force of wind
1914
First Known Use of windmill
1914
WINDMILL Defined for English Language Learners
Definition of windmill for English Language Learners
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: a structure that has parts which are turned around by the wind and that is used to produce power, pump water, etc.
WINDMILL Defined for Kids
windmill
playDefinition of windmill for Students
: a mill or a machine (as for pumping water) worked by the wind turning sails or vanes at the top of a tower
Learn More about windmill
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See words that rhyme with windmill Spanish Central: Translation of windmill Nglish: Translation of windmill for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of windmill for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about windmill
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