Windmill

Quick meaning: Windmill is a noun meaning A machine which translates linear motion of wind to rotational motion by means of adjustable vanes called sails.

Meaning

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

More Meanings

1. The building or structure containing such machinery.
2. (colloquial, proscribed) A wind turbine, a device for converting wind power into electricity.
3. A child's toy consisting of vanes mounted on a stick that rotate when blown by a person or by the wind.
4. (basketball) A dunk where the dunker swings his arm in a circular motion before throwing the ball through the hoop.
5. (baseball) A pitch where the pitcher swings his arm in a circular motion before throwing the ball.
6. (music) A guitar move where the strumming hand mimics a turning windmill.
7. (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

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.

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.

Word Forms

• windmills
• windmilling
• windmilled

Synonyms for windmill

Depending on context, synonyms include pinwheel, seesaw, aerogenerator.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include aerogenerator, turbine, sawmill, mill, wind, built-in.

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