Windmill

Meaning

A machine which translates linear motion of wind to rotational motion by means of adjustable vanes called sails..

Definitions by Sense

1. A machine which translates linear motion of wind to rotational motion by means of adjustable vanes called sails.
2. The building or structure containing such machinery.
3. (colloquial, proscribed) A wind turbine, a device for converting wind power into electricity.
4. A child's toy consisting of vanes mounted on a stick that rotate when blown by a person or by the wind.
5. (basketball) A dunk where the dunker swings his arm in a circular motion before throwing the ball through the hoop.
6. (baseball) A pitch where the pitcher swings his arm in a circular motion before throwing the ball.
7. (music) A guitar move where the strumming hand mimics a turning windmill.
8. (dance) A breakdancing move in which the dancer rolls their torso continuously in a circular path on the floor, across the upper chest, shoulders and back, while twirling the legs in a V shape in the air.

Example Sentences

Turbines have been around for a long time—windmills and water wheels are early examples. The name comes from the Latin turbo, meaning vortex, and thus the defining property of a turbine is that a fluid or gas turns the blades of a rotor, which is attached to a shaft that can perform useful work.

There was once a windmill and a baker's shop in the middle of Rabbitland. Three rabbits, Rodney, Rudolph and Rosie lived in the windmill.

The home of the high-spirited French can-can has been laid temporarily low after the sails of the red-painted windmill on top of the Moulin Rouge, the most celebrated cabaret in Paris, tumbled inexplicably to the ground in the early hours.

“I never understood wind. You know, I know windmills very much. They’re noisy. They kill the birds. You want to see a bird graveyard? Go under a windmill someday. You’ll see more birds than you’ve ever seen in your life.”

“The other thing I say to Europe: we’ve – we will not allow a windmill to be built in the United States. They’re killing us. They’re killing the beauty of our scenery.”

to fight windmills

She ran down the hill, windmilling her arms with glee.

The main thing now was to find the steering wheel. At first, Billy windmilled his arms, hoping to find it by luck.

Word Forms

• windmills
• windmilling
• windmilled

Synonyms for windmill

Related Words

When Should You Use Windmill?

Use windmill when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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