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 (opposed to 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

Moisture in the air on the windward side of a mountain is forced to rise where it will cool and condenses, taking the moisture out of it.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026

“Rigs are built to withstand windward and water pressure.”

From Slate • Dec. 16, 2023

"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

These mountains are on Oahu’s wetter, windward side because they trap moisture and rain that move across the island from the northeast.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 11, 2023

The wind whips up another spray of sand off the shallow, windward slopes.

From "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini