vane
Vane (noun) means a device mounted on a roof or pole that turns to show which way the wind is blowing. Example: “The weather vane on the barn swung around to point north as the front moved in.”
How to use vane
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA vane is something that catches and shows the direction of moving air (or water) — from a rooftop weathercock to the angled blades inside a turbine.
Easily confused with "vein" (a blood vessel) and "vain" (conceited, or futile) — all three are pronounced the same way.
Word forms
vanes plural, Vanes plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The weather _____ on the barn swung around to point north as the front moved in.
Etymology
From Old English fana, "cloth, banner, flag," the same root that gave German Fahne. The weather-vane sense comes from early flag-like devices used to show wind direction before the familiar spinning arrow design took over.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for vane
See all rhymes for vane →Frequently asked questions
What does “vane” mean?
The word “vane” means a device mounted on a roof or pole that turns to show which way the wind is blowing. In plain terms, a vane is something that catches and shows the direction of moving air (or water) — from a rooftop weathercock to the angled blades inside a turbine.
How do you pronounce “vane”?
“Vane” is pronounced vayn (/veɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “vane” in a sentence?
Here is “vane” used in a sentence: “The weather vane on the barn swung around to point north as the front moved in.”
What part of speech is “vane”?
“Vane” is a noun.
Where does the word “vane” come from?
The word “vane” comes from Old English.
How many meanings does “vane” have?
“Vane” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a device mounted on a roof or pole that turns to show which way the wind is blowing.