windmill
windmill Lexical Profile
windmill Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A machine or functional structure powered by the wind, featuring large sails or blades that rotate to generate energy for grinding grain, pumping water, or producing electricity.
"The Dutch landscape is famous for its historic wooden windmills that were once used to pump water out of the lowlands."
A child's toy consisting of a stick attached to paper or plastic vanes that spin when blown upon by the wind or breath.
"The little boy ran across the beach holding a colorful plastic windmill."
• verb
To move one's arms in a rapid, wide, and circular motion, resembling the rotating blades of a windmill.
"Losing his balance on the edge of the diving board, he windmilled his arms wildly in a desperate attempt to stay upright."
Word Origin & Etymology
Middle English, formed by combining 'wind' and 'mill'. The earliest recorded windmills in Europe appear in the late 12th century, though earlier forms existed in Persia.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.