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Definition of weathervane

weathervane

/ˈwɛðɚˌveɪn/
weath · er · vane
Plural:weathervanes
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weathervane Lexical Profile

weathervane Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An instrument, typically mounted on an elevated structure such as a roof or spire, used to indicate the direction of the wind.

Example

"The antique brass rooster weathervane spun rapidly atop the barn as the storm approached."

2

A person or organization that frequently changes their opinions, policies, or loyalties to suit current trends or external pressures.

Example

"The senator was widely criticized as a political weathervane, constantly shifting his stance to align with the latest polling data."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for weathervane
Antonyms
View all antonyms for weathervane

• Nearby Words

weatherstrip
weatherstripping
weathertight
weathervane
weatherwoman
weatherworn
weave

Word Origin & Etymology

A compound of 'weather' (from Old English 'weder') and 'vane' (from Old English 'fana', meaning 'flag' or 'banner', originally referring to the cloth flags used to show wind direction).

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Weathervane. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/weathervane
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