headwind

What is another word for headwind? Here is its meaning, with related words and examples.

Noun — Wind blowing straight towards a moving vehicle, opposing its direction of travel, as with an aircraft, train or ship.

We haven't recorded synonyms for headwind yet. You can still read its full definition, where it comes from, or words that rhyme with it.

How to use headwind

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

a strong headwind fly into a headwind face a headwind

It is a neutral, everyday word used in weather, aviation and cycling contexts.

Etymology

Headwind comes from Middle English hedwind, which developed from Old English heafodwind, itself a combination of head and wind. It is related to the Old Norse word hofudvindr.

Full origin of headwind →

Frequently asked questions

What is a headwind?

It is a wind that blows directly against the direction a vehicle such as an aircraft, train or ship is moving.

What is the opposite of a headwind?

The opposite is a tailwind, which blows in the same direction the vehicle is travelling and pushes it along.

Does a headwind slow a plane down?

Yes, a headwind increases the effort and fuel needed to maintain speed, which can slow a flight and lengthen its duration.

Nearby words

← Back to the full definition of headwind