noun

weathercock

WETH-uh-kok

Quiz me More like this

Weathercock (noun) means a weathercock is a weather vane, often shaped like a cockerel, that turns to show the direction of the wind. Example: “A weathercock sat on top of the church spire, turning with the wind.”

noun

A weathercock is a weather vane, often shaped like a cockerel, that turns to show the direction of the wind.

"A weathercock sat on top of the church spire, turning with the wind."

"The old weathercock creaked as it swung round to face north."

"Visitors photographed the gilded weathercock above the town hall."

figurative A weathercock is also someone who keeps changing their opinion to match whatever is currently popular.

"Critics called the politician a weathercock for switching sides on every issue."

"He's a weathercock, agreeing with whoever spoke to him last."

How to use weathercock

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA weathercock is a rooster-shaped weather vane, and, figuratively, a person who changes their mind with every new trend.

When to use it

The literal sense is everyday and neutral; the figurative sense is mildly critical when used of a person.

Memory tip

Weathercock and weather vane mean much the same thing, but weathercock specifically points to the cockerel shape.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

weather vane

Common pairings

a gilded weathercock turn like a weathercock weathercock on the spire act like a weathercock

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like weathercock.

Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.

Start vocabulary practice

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “weathercock” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

A _____ sat on top of the church spire, turning with the wind.

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.

Origin: Middle English

Synonyms

View more →

weather vane

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.

What is the meaning of weathercock?

"weathercock" (noun) means a weathercock is a weather vane, often shaped like a cockerel, that turns to show the direction of the wind.