windward

1 of 2

noun

wind·​ward ˈwin(d)-wərd 

: the side or direction from which the wind is blowing

see also:

to windward

windward

2 of 2

adjective

: being in or facing the direction from which the wind is blowing compare leeward

Examples of windward in a Sentence

Adjective

The windward side of the mountain was rocky and treeless.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Orographic enhancement on the windward side contributed to these extreme amounts. — Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Total rainfall of nearly 3 feet was expected on the higher windward slopes, turning rivers into raging torrents and threatening mudslides. — Alexa St. John, Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2026

Adjective

All of the greatest rainfall numbers were along the windward side of the Big Island, where 20 to 40 inches of rain were reported, according to Patrick Blood with the weather service. — Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 17 Aug. 2026

Most of the time, the winds come from the northeast and Hawaii’s mountains keep the majority of precipitation on that windward side. — Evan Bush, NBC news, 20 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1550, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1615, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing windward

• to windward

Kids Definition

windward

1 of 2 adjective

wind·​ward ˈwin-(d)wərd 

: moving or placed toward the direction from which the wind is blowing

windward

2 of 2 noun

: the side or direction from which the wind is blowing

sail to windward