headwind

American  

[hed-wind] / ˈhɛdˌwɪnd /

noun

1. a wind opposed to the course of a moving object, especially an aircraft or other vehicle (opposed to tailwind).

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headwind British  

/ ˈhɛdˌwɪnd /

noun

1. a wind blowing directly against the course of an aircraft or ship Compare tailwind

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headwind Scientific  

/ hĕd′wĭnd′ /

1. A wind blowing directly against the course of a moving object, especially an aircraft or ship.

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Etymology

Origin of headwind

First recorded in 1780–90; (a)head + wind ¹

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

headwind

“Not the perfect quarter that we’ve been printing in recent memory,” Wolk said, adding that strength in other businesses meant “we can experience a notable headwind yet still exceed Street expectations and raise guidance.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 15, 2026

“This one I would predict might last longer than previous ones just because of the numbers. It’s got quite a headwind, but you know it’s not something that would become endemic,” Bailey said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 14, 2026

“On the other side, a headwind is that deposit pricing competition is intense,” Poonawala added.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 12, 2026

Analysts consider higher gasoline prices a headwind for low- and middle-income consumers, but note that other car buyers in the US have benefited from stock markets records and appreciating home prices.

From Barron's ● Jul. 1, 2026

As they entered the last half mile and came into the lee of the hills at the north end of the lake, the headwind died down.

From "The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics" by Daniel James Brown