windward

[ wind-werd ]
/ ˈwɪnd wərd /

adverb

toward the wind; toward the point from which the wind blows.

adjective

pertaining to, situated in, or moving toward the quarter from which the wind blows (opposed to leeward).

noun

the point or quarter from which the wind blows.
the side toward the wind.

Idioms for windward

    to windward, in a position of vantage: We got to windward of the difficulty. Also to the windward.

Origin of windward

First recorded in 1540–50; wind1 + -ward

OTHER WORDS FROM windward

wind·ward·ness, noun

Words nearby windward

windsurf, windsurfing, windswept, windtight, windup, windward, windward islands, windward passage, windway, windy, windy city

British Dictionary definitions for to windward

windward
/ (ˈwɪndwəd) mainly nautical /

adjective

of, in, or moving to the quarter from which the wind blows
to windward of advantageously situated with respect to

noun

the windward point
the side towards the wind

adverb

towards the wind
Compare leeward

Idioms and Phrases with to windward

to windward

Toward an advantageous position, as in We were hoping to get to windward of the situation. This expression transfers the nautical meaning of the phrase, “move in the direction from which the wind blows,” to other kinds of undertaking. Its figurative use dates from the late 1700s.