weathercock
1 synonym for weathercock, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A weathercock is a weather vane, often shaped like a cockerel, that turns to show the direction of the wind.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
weather vane
How to use weathercock
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a gilded weathercock
turn like a weathercock
weathercock on the spire
act like a weathercock
The literal sense is everyday and neutral; the figurative sense is mildly critical when used of a person.
Etymology
Weathercock developed from Middle English forms such as wetharcoke and wederkok, formed by joining weather with cock, referring to the cockerel shape often used on weather vanes.
Full origin of weathercock →Frequently asked questions
What is a weathercock?
A weathercock is a weather vane, frequently made in the shape of a cockerel, that turns on a spindle to point into the wind and show its direction.
Why is it shaped like a cockerel?
The cockerel shape is traditional; weathercock literally combines weather with cock, the word for the bird, and the name has stuck even on vanes with other shapes.
What does it mean to call a person a weathercock?
Figuratively, it describes someone who is fickle and keeps changing their views to follow whatever opinion is current, just as a weathercock turns with the wind.
