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

Artificial intelligence-fueled electricity demand growth and Iberdrola’s pivot to regulated networks in the U.K. and U.S. provides an earnings tailwind, they add.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

“Agentic AI is a structural tailwind that will force consumers to get the latest and greatest Apple device because it will work better than other brands.”

From Barron's • May 26, 2026

“Our World Cup work suggests that the event could prove a meaningful tailwind for the secondary ticketing industry,” Mansson-Perrone wrote.

From Barron's • May 14, 2026

Kwon and his team said they’re stopping short of an “outright bearish” stance on stocks due in part to a secular AI tailwind.

From MarketWatch • May 6, 2026

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

From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly