windward

American  

[wind-werd] / ˈwɪnd wərd /

adverb

1. toward the wind; toward the point from which the wind blows.

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adjective

1. pertaining to, situated in, or moving toward the quarter from which the wind blows (leeward ).

noun

1. the point or quarter from which the wind blows.

2. the side toward the wind.

idioms

1. to windward, in a position of vantage: Also to the windward.

   We got to windward of the difficulty.

windward British  

/ ˈwɪndwəd /

adjective

1. of, in, or moving to the quarter from which the wind blows

2. advantageously situated with respect to

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noun

1. the windward point

2. the side towards the wind

adverb

1. towards the wind

Other Word Forms

• windwardness noun

Etymology

Origin of windward

First recorded in 1540–50; wind ¹ + -ward

Example Sentences

“The boat barely sailed to windward, but off wind and reaching, it was superb,” he recalled to me.

From Slate • Jul. 22, 2025

"Anyone who goes to the beach on Hawai'i's windward coastlines has probably seen these processes in action, even if they weren't aware," said Ackerman.

From Science Daily • Nov. 27, 2023

Areas in “severe drought” include Maui’s leeward side — where the now burned town of Lahaina is — while the windward side is considered “abnormally dry.”

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 11, 2023

Doors and windows should be closed firmly - particularly those to the windward side of the house - and especially large doors, like those on garages.

From BBC • Feb. 17, 2022

The swell crashing on the windward side of the great blue tabular icebergs threw spray sixty feet into the air and down onto the boats, where it froze on the men.

From "Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World" by Jennifer Armstrong