wind vane

American  

[wind] / wɪnd /

noun

1. weather vane.

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Etymology

Origin of wind vane

First recorded in 1715–25

Example Sentences

For decades, this state was a reliable wind vane of American politics.

From New York Times

It was the nightly relay of the weather data, gathered from the wind vanes and barometers surrounding their home, a secluded meteorological station on the isolated banks of the Ket River.

From New York Times

The sensor, several inches long, is essentially a small wind vane affixed to the jet’s fuselage.

From Seattle Times

The sensors, which are effectively wind vanes on the jet’s nose, have malfunctioned in the past, for a variety of reasons, including bird strikes, according to the former engineers.

From New York Times

Competitors are not allowed to use electric autopilots and instead use wind vanes for self-steering as in the first Golden Globe.

From New York Times