What does windtight mean?
Windtight is an adjective describing something so tightly closed or constructed that wind cannot pass through. The word is especially associated with cabins, ships, sheds, windows, doors, and other structures whose joints or openings must exclude moving air. It implies more than merely being closed: a barrier may be shut yet still allow a draft through gaps, whereas a windtight barrier prevents wind from penetrating. In nautical contexts, the term can describe a vessel or part of a vessel fitted tightly enough to keep the wind outside. Windtight overlaps with airtight and weather-tight, but its primary concern is specifically the exclusion of wind. The word is less common in everyday speech than airtight and often has a practical, technical, or slightly literary tone.
adjectiveSo tightly closed, fitted, or constructed that wind cannot pass through. It is especially used of buildings, enclosures, vehicles, and vessels.
- So tightly closed, fitted, or constructed that wind cannot pass through.
"The storm lashed the shutters, but the cabin remained windtight."
"The storm lashed the shutters, but the cabin remained windtight."
"Inspectors found that the old storage shed was no longer windtight after the roof panels shifted."
A windtight barrier shuts out the gale; an airtight barrier goes further by keeping the air itself sealed in or out.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of windtight
Windtight is an English compound formed from wind and tight, both of which are Germanic in origin. Wind descends from Old English wind, while tight ultimately derives from Old English dīht, with parallels in German dicht and Dutch dicht. The compound developed in English for structures and vessels constructed tightly enough to prevent wind from entering.
How windtight is actually used
The word is descriptive and somewhat literary or technical, especially in reference to buildings, enclosures, and vessels. In general use, airtight and weather-tight are often more familiar alternatives.
Easily confused with windtight
A windtight structure prevents wind from passing through, whereas an airtight structure prevents both wind and air from entering or escaping.