What does weathercock mean?
A weathercock is a pointer, commonly shaped like a rooster, that rotates to indicate the direction of the wind. Such devices traditionally appeared on church spires, public buildings, ships, and other exposed structures, where they combined a practical function with a distinctive decorative design. The word also has a figurative meaning: a weathercock is a person whose opinions or loyalties shift with prevailing opinion, political advantage, or personal interest. This figurative sense often carries a critical or disparaging connotation, implying inconsistency, opportunism, or a lack of firm principles. Although the device indicates wind direction rather than forecasting the weather, it became closely associated with observing atmospheric conditions, and the modern sense of a weather vane is therefore a natural extension of its older name. In contemporary usage, the literal sense remains recognizable through architectural and heritage references, while the figurative sense is especially common in political and journalistic discussion.
A pointer, traditionally shaped like a rooster, that turns to show the direction of the wind; figuratively, a person whose opinions or loyalties change with prevailing opinion or self-interest.
"A brass weathercock crowns the tower of the old market hall."
The figurative sense is usually derogatory and implies opportunism or inconsistency.
To change one's opinions or allegiance repeatedly in response to prevailing opinion or personal advantage.
"Rather than weathercock with every shift in public sentiment, she defended her original position."
This verb is less common than the noun and generally carries a critical or disparaging connotation.
The standard plural of the noun, used for multiple wind pointers or, figuratively, for several people whose opinions shift with the prevailing wind.
"Weathercocks turned above the town square as the storm approached."
A weathercock does not predict the weather; it simply announces which way the wind is blowing.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of weathercock
The compound weathercock dates from the early 17th century and combines weather with cock, the traditional word for the rooster often used on weather pointers. Because the pointer rotates with the wind, the rooster's shape became a recognizable symbol of changing direction. The figurative sense developed from the image of a device that continually turns according to the wind, describing people whose opinions shift with prevailing opinion or self-interest.
Related word forms
How weathercock is actually used
As a device, the word is common in traditional, architectural, and nautical contexts. Its figurative use is more critical, suggesting opportunism or an absence of consistent principles rather than merely changing one's mind.
Easily confused with weathercock
A weathervane is any instrument that indicates wind direction, whereas a weathercock is specifically a pointer traditionally shaped like a rooster.