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

In doing so, it set up a great weather vane for the state of national politics.

From Slate • Dec. 2, 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

However, there is a much deeper symbolism in the bird on the weather vane flying over George Washington’s home, Mount Vernon.

From Washington Post • Jul. 15, 2022

The mystery pistol was shaking and sliding back and forth in my hand same as a weather vane in a January storm.

From "Elijah of Buxton" by Christopher Paul Curtis