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

While this doesn’t mean that U.S. rates must rise, it does indicate that the path of least resistance may be higher, providing a tailwind for U.S. rates.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 24, 2026

TotalEnergies TTE 2.03%increase; green up pointing triangle said it is prioritizing paying down its debt as conflict in the Middle East continues to provide an earnings tailwind and an opportunity to shore up balance sheets.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 23, 2026

For weeks, investors hoped that falling energy prices would provide a tailwind for the economy in the second half, easing costs for Americans and reducing pressure on an artificial-intelligence build-out increasingly fueled by debt.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 8, 2026

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

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 8, 2026

We are riding a swift tailwind today, and the ship veers starboard quickly, moving us away from the disturbance.

From "Challenger Deep" by Neal Shusterman