windmill
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.”
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.
Word forms
windmilled past tense, windmills plural, windmills singular
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
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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.