windbag

American  

[wind-bag] / ˈwɪndˌbæg /

noun

1. Also called bag of wind.  Informal. an empty, voluble, pretentious talker.

2. the bag of a bagpipe.

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windbag British  

/ ˈwɪndˌbæɡ /

noun

1. slang a voluble person who has little of interest to communicate

2. the bag in a set of bagpipes, which provides a continuous flow of air to the pipes

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Other Word Forms

• windbaggery noun

Etymology

Origin of windbag

A late Middle English word dating back to 1425–75; wind ¹, bag

Example Sentences

A beekeeper recounts his experience moving from novice to master, providing ample advice and presenting the eccentrics, oddballs and, as our reviewer, Anne Sverdrup-Thygeson, put it, “flagrantly self-promoting windbags” he encounters along the way.

From New York Times

Its brevity made it an excellent vehicle for wit — a barb for puncturing bloated egos and windbag grandiosity.

From New York Times

He knows which way the wind is blowing, and he will do his best to become a windbag that blows in that direction, whatever humiliating deflation is required first.

From Washington Post

Wolff on horner: “Christian is a bit of a windbag who wants to be on camera.”

From The Guardian

He was, if possible, even a bigger windbag than Dr. Roland.

From Literature