tailwind

American  

[teyl-wind] / ˈteɪlˌwɪnd /

noun

1. a wind coming from directly behind a moving object, especially an aircraft or other vehicle (opposed to headwind).

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tailwind British  

/ ˈteɪlˌwɪnd /

noun

1. a wind blowing in the same direction as the course of an aircraft or ship Compare headwind

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Etymology

Origin of tailwind

First recorded in 1895–1900; tail ¹ + wind ¹

Explanation

When a strong breeze sends your kite soaring higher into the sky, that helpful gust is a tailwind. A tailwind is a wind that blows in the same direction an aircraft or ship is moving, giving it a helpful boost. In aviation and sailing, a tailwind can help planes and boats move faster and use less fuel. For runners and cyclists, a tailwind can make the journey feel easier and quicker. Whether you're flying, sailing, or just riding your bike, a tailwind is like a friendly push from nature, making your trip smoother and faster.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

tailwind

For weeks, investors hoped that falling energy prices would provide a tailwind for the economy in the second half, easing costs for Americans and reducing pressure on an artificial-intelligence build-out increasingly fueled by debt.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 8, 2026

Higher U.S. rates are generally seen as a tailwind for the dollar.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 8, 2026

While company-specific execution remains important, a more supportive rate environment could provide a meaningful tailwind for the sector in the months ahead.

From Barron's ● Jun. 26, 2026

“This tailwind will more than offset near-term headwinds.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 24, 2026

But inside I’m smiling—because, for the first time in my life, I’ve made fear a tailwind rather than a headwind.

From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman