weather vane

American  

Or weathervane

noun

1. a device, as a rod to which a freely rotating pointer is attached, for indicating the direction of the wind.

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weather vane British  

noun

1. a vane designed to indicate the direction in which the wind is blowing

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Etymology

Origin of weather vane

First recorded in 1715–25

Example Sentences

The remarks by Williams are especially important because he is a top ally of Fed Chair Jerome Powell and is seen as a weather vane for the bank’s future moves.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 3, 2026

Marialyce Pedersen walked around the parking lot spinning a weather vane on which she’d fashioned a picture of L.A.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 9, 2026

Election betting is not so much a weather vane as a mechanism for bettors to reflect the world as they see it, and make or lose money doing so.

From Slate • Dec. 10, 2025

The new ministerial position — an assistant minister — is a comparatively minor one, and its role will be limited, at least for the near term, mostly to conversation starter and weather vane.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 8, 2022

The Fayre Eleyne rode gallantly, swinging like a weather vane away from the changing wind.

From "Travels with Charley in Search of America" by John Steinbeck