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

There is another helm aft, which allows sailors to enjoy the exhilaration of the windward hull. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 16 July 2026

But Giles Scott closed the door on Brazil, with Goodison clipping the turning mark with the tip of his windward foil below the surface. — Andrew Rice, New York Times, 22 June 2026

Adjective

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

But settlements on the windward side of mountain ranges are also vulnerable to extreme rainfall events—like the ones caused by typhoons messing with the region’s airflow patterns. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 9 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