williwaw
Americannoun
noun
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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.
Gore Vidal’s first novel was Williwaw, which he wrote while stationed on a U.S.
From Scientific American • Nov. 11, 2022
The manager for folk band Blackwater Railroad Company says the proposed concert at Williwaw Lakes was intended to provide an intimate, outdoor experience encouraging conservation.
From Seattle Times • Jun. 10, 2019
Published in 1946, Williwaw focused on a rivalry between two maritime officers; in style it owed something to Hemingway and Stephen Crane.
From The Guardian • Aug. 1, 2012
Attending the poshest schools, Gore skipped college to enlist in the Army, serving in the Aleutian Islands — the setting for his first novel, Williwaw, published in 1946 when he was just 20.
From Time • Aug. 1, 2012
He attended the exclusive St. Albans prep school and served as first mate on a supply ship during World War II, after which, at age 20, he published his first novel, Williwaw.
From Time Magazine Archive
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.
