What does crosswind mean?
A crosswind is a wind that blows across the direction in which an aircraft, vehicle, or vessel is travelling. It is usually described as coming from the side rather than from directly ahead or behind. Crosswinds matter because they can alter an aircraft’s path, push a vehicle sideways, or make a boat drift away from its intended course. In aviation, pilots may approach a runway at an angle and then turn the aircraft into the wind during landing, a manoeuvre known as crabbing. A crosswind is also an important consideration in sailing, where it can affect speed, direction, and the handling of a vessel. The word is common in technical and practical descriptions of travel, while headwind and tailwind name winds that blow respectively against or with the direction of movement. Understanding the distinction helps explain why a crosswind can make a journey more difficult even when it does not directly oppose forward progress.
nounA wind blowing across the direction in which an aircraft, vehicle, or vessel is travelling, usually at right angles to its course.
- A wind blowing across the direction of travel or movement.
"The aircraft encountered a strong crosswind while making its final approach."
"The yacht slowed as it turned to face a strong crosswind."
"Drivers should reduce their speed when a powerful crosswind pushes against the vehicle."
The standard plural is “crosswinds.”
"Forecasters warned of powerful crosswinds along the coast."
Strong crosswinds can turn a straight approach into a sideways crab into the wind.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
Related word forms
How crosswind is actually used
The term is especially common in aviation, sailing, and motor-vehicle contexts. It is normally a countable noun and is frequently used attributively, as in “crosswind landing.”
Easily confused with crosswind
A headwind blows directly against the direction of travel, whereas a crosswind blows across it.
A tailwind blows directly from behind and assists forward movement, whereas a crosswind blows across the direction of travel.