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

Sales volumes increased by a more modest 0.5% month-over-month and 2.8% from last year, which still points to a tailwind for gross domestic product in May.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 15, 2026

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

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 8, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 24, 2026

Progress toward a peace deal between the U.S. and Iran has weighed on oil prices and removed a tailwind for energy-tilted U.K. stocks, they said.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 24, 2026

In 1966, however, something had happened that looked like it might give them a tailwind.

From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly