tailwind

American  

[tayl-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

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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

The supply equation has been a tailwind for stocks in the past 20 years.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 20, 2026

Shares of AST SpaceMobile reached a recent high of over $133 in May of this year as the overall space sector saw a tailwind from SpaceX’s public listing.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 13, 2026

"At the same time, the current technology tailwind could stop abruptly if expectations about AI-related profits and productivity gains are reassessed, weakening investment and tightening financial conditions."

From Barron's ● Oct. 13, 2026

The miner and trader has a 2026 earnings tailwind due to elevated and volatile commodity markets, he says.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 5, 2026

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

From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly

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