williwaw
Americannoun
noun
-
a sudden strong gust of cold wind blowing offshore from a mountainous coast, as in the Strait of Magellan
-
a state of great turmoil
Etymology
Origin of williwaw
First recorded in 1835–45; origin uncertain
Explanation
A williwaw might sound quirky, but it’s no joke! It’s a sudden, powerful gust of wind that can be an unpleasant surprise for sailors or hikers. It can also describe a whirlwind of chaos or agitation. The word williwaw was used by British sailors in the 19th century to describe sudden, fierce gusts of wind, often in coastal or mountainous areas. These winds are unpredictable, turning a calm day into a dangerous one in an instant. Williwaw can also describe a sudden rush of emotional turmoil, like when life seems to spin out of control. Whether a literal blast of wind or a metaphorical storm, the word williwaw is great for describing sudden, intense forces.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A young Boston reserve officer named Melvin Johnson has raised a williwaw in Washington with claims that his new rifle is better than the Garand, if Army bureaucrats would only admit it.
From Time Magazine Archive
This williwaw raises enough of a dust-screen for Miss Warren to squeeze in the kind of songs Deanna used to sing and the title song, a very tuneful melody.
From Time Magazine Archive
The President in press conference tried to head off a williwaw by insisting that Glennan's move was only part of a "study" in which the President himself would make the final ruling.
From Time Magazine Archive
Connell said it was like a williwaw, a gust of cold wind, blowing through the prison.
From Time Magazine Archive
A williwaw began in the hills ahead and swept out and set the ship to reeling crazily in its erratic currents.
From Astounding Stories of Super-Science, August 1930 by Bates, Harry
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
