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Windmill

/ˈwɪnd.mɪl/

A machine which translates linear motion of wind to rotational motion by means of adjustable vanes called sails.

Full Dictionary Entry

📖 Definitions of "Windmill"

noun

1
A machine which translates linear motion of wind to rotational motion by means of adjustable vanes called sails.
2
The structure containing such machinery.
3
A child's toy consisting of vanes mounted on a stick that rotate when blown by a person or by the wind.
4
A dunk where the dunker swings his arm in a circular motion before throwing the ball through the hoop.

verb

1
To rotate with a sweeping motion.
"She ran down the hill, windmilling her arms with glee."
2
Of a rotating part of a machine, to (become disengaged and) rotate freely.
"The axle broke and the wheel windmilled in place briefly before careening through the wall."

🔄 Synonyms of "Windmill"

2 synonyms found via WordNet and Google Books.

Word	Definition
wind generatornoun	A wind-driven generator, working on the same principle as a wind turbine but usually on a smaller scale, used for example for charging batteries on sailing boats.
aerogeneratornoun	(dated) A generator powered by wind, a wind turbine.

💡 Words with a Similar Meaning to "Windmill"

Found via reverse dictionary — words that share a conceptual meaning.

Word	Definition
wind generatornoun	A wind-driven generator, working on the same principle as a wind turbine but usually on a smaller scale, used for example for charging batteries on sailing boats.
aerogeneratornoun	(dated) A generator powered by wind, a wind turbine.
turbinenoun	Any of various rotary machines that use the kinetic energy of a continuous stream of fluid (a liquid or a gas) to turn a shaft.
sawmillnoun	A machine, building or company used for cutting (milling) lumber, or (rarely) other hard materials such as stone.
millnoun	A grinding apparatus for substances such as grains, seeds, etc. (Some are small and simple, and some are large and complex.)
windnoun	(countable, uncountable) Real or perceived movement of atmospheric air usually caused by convection or differences in air pressure.
eolian	Alternative spelling of aeolian. [of, or relating to the wind.]
built-innoun	Anything (such as a piece of furniture, or a software feature) that is built in, not added as an extra.
wind millnoun	Rare spelling of windmill. [A machine which translates linear motion of wind to rotational motion by means of adjustable vanes called sails.]
wind-millnoun	Archaic spelling of windmill. [A machine which translates linear motion of wind to rotational motion by means of adjustable vanes called sails.]
windsailnoun	The sail or vane of a windmill.
windwheelnoun	(historical) A wheel driven by the wind and used to power a machine.
fantailnoun	Any of several domestic varieties of pigeon having a fan-shaped tail.
vanenoun	A weather vane.
aeromotornoun	A windmill, windpump or similar device powered by the wind
wind enginenoun	(archaic) A wind-driven machine, especially a preindustrial one.
windshaftnoun	The part of a windmill that carries the sails and brake wheel (in smock and tower mills, and some post mills) or the head wheel and tail wheel in a post mill.
wind machinenoun	An electrically driven fan for generating currents of air during the production of films etc.
sailnoun	(nautical) A piece of fabric attached to a boat and arranged such that it causes the wind to drive the boat along. The sail may be attached to the boat via a combination of mast, spars and ropes.
wind turbinenoun	A device for converting wind power into electricity.