What does windmill mean?
A windmill is a machine or building whose rotating sails or vanes are powered by the wind. Historically, windmills performed important mechanical tasks: they ground grain into flour, pumped water, and later operated equipment such as saws and pumps. Because their power came directly from the wind, they became especially associated with rural landscapes, coastal sites, and flat, exposed areas. Today, surviving windmills are often preserved as museums or historic landmarks, and the word can also suggest a picturesque rural scene. Although people sometimes use windmill loosely for a modern wind turbine, the two have different primary functions: a windmill typically performs mechanical work, while a wind turbine converts wind into electricity. The word is useful not only for identifying this traditional technology but also for understanding how wind power shaped settlement, industry, and architecture before modern electrical systems.
A machine or building with wind-driven sails or vanes, traditionally used to grind grain, pump water, or perform other mechanical work.
"The restored windmill is open to visitors every weekend."
The term is still current for historic and working mills, but it should generally not be used as an exact synonym for a wind turbine.
To move or rotate something in a circular motion, especially the arms or legs.
"He windmilled his arms in frustration."
This use is uncommon and usually informal or descriptive.
The countable noun takes the regular plural form windmills.
"Several windmills stand along the ridge."
Windmills once powered everyday life, turning wind into bread, water, and useful mechanical work before electricity made them largely redundant.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does windmill come from?
Windmill is a Middle English compound formed from wind and mill. Its wind element descends from Old English wind, a Germanic word, while mill comes through Old English mille from Latin, ultimately associated with molere, “to grind.” The compound has close relatives in other Germanic languages, including Dutch windmolen and German Windmühle.
Related word forms
How windmill is actually used
As a noun, windmill is neutral and commonly evokes historic mills, rural landscapes, and preserved landmarks. In contemporary technical contexts, a wind turbine generates electricity, whereas a traditional windmill performs mechanical work such as milling or pumping. The verb windmill is relatively uncommon and informal or niche.