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

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

A museum should not change directions like a weather vane but give us the reassurance that some things are timeless and provide us with the history and progression of art.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2023

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 beam cuts right across the top gable. I can see the weather vane as clearly as if it were day.”

From "Redwall" by Brian Jacques