noun
Uncommon
windmill
WIHN-mihl
Windmill (noun) means a structure with rotating sails that harnesses wind power to grind grain, pump water, or generate electricity. Example: “The old windmill once ground flour for the whole village.”
noun
1
A structure with rotating sails that harnesses wind power to grind grain, pump water, or generate electricity.
"The old windmill once ground flour for the whole village."
"Rows of modern windmills line the ridge, generating electricity."
verb
1
To rotate or swing something in a large circular motion, like the sails of a windmill.
"He windmilled his arm before pitching the ball."
How to use windmill
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA wind-powered machine with rotating blades, or to swing a limb in a big circular motion.
Common pairings
tilt at windmills
windmill dunk
windmill your arms
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Word forms
- Plural
- windmills
- Third person singular
- windmills
- Past tense
- windmilled
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The old _____ once ground flour for the whole village.
Etymology
A straightforward compound of wind + mill; the phrase "tilting at windmills" (fighting imaginary enemies) comes from Don Quixote, who attacked windmills believing them to be giants.
Synonyms
View more →
aerogenerator
wind generator
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “windmill” mean?
The word “windmill” means a structure with rotating sails that harnesses wind power to grind grain, pump water, or generate electricity. In plain terms, a wind-powered machine with rotating blades, or to swing a limb in a big circular motion.
How do you pronounce “windmill”?
“Windmill” is pronounced WIHN-mihl (/ˈwɪn(d).mɪl/ in IPA).
How do you use “windmill” in a sentence?
Here is “windmill” used in a sentence: “The old windmill once ground flour for the whole village.”
What part of speech is “windmill”?
Depending on how it is used, “windmill” can be a noun and a verb.
Is “windmill” a common word?
“Windmill” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “windmill” have?
“Windmill” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a structure with rotating sails that harnesses wind power to grind grain, pump water, or generate electricity.
