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

Schwartz agreed that Ukraine’s eventual reconstruction would be “a long tailwind for Poland, for sure.”

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 3, 2026

The developments could be a further tailwind for shares of Dell, which have already outperformed some of the market’s hottest AI stocks this year.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 31, 2026

And by 2030, some 155 million households are expected to earn more than $9,500 annually, providing a further tailwind to growth.

From BBC ● Aug. 19, 2026

“We think this can be an enormous tailwind for the next leg of growth for Eats.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 18, 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