tailwind

American  

[teyl-wind] / ˈteɪlˌwɪnd /

noun

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

---

tailwind British  

/ ˈteɪlˌwɪnd /

noun

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

---

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

Purchases of physical bars and coins grew 30% year over year in the fourth quarter, supplying a tailwind for Gold.com’s business.

From Barron's • Apr. 16, 2026

That should be another tailwind for secular growth stocks, they say.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 13, 2026

“Underlying the impressive industry growth story is the surge in active ETFs. We expect this tailwind to persist,” he said in a report.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

What’s more, she says, Brazil’s exposure to commodities as an exporter of iron ore, oil and agricultural goods provides a tailwind if resource prices remain firm.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 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