What does windward mean?
Windward describes the side or direction facing the source of the wind, as opposed to the sheltered leeward side. It is most familiar in maritime and meteorological language but also appears in descriptions of hills, islands, buildings, and anything exposed to the prevailing wind. Used as an adjective, it may modify side, coast, slope, or direction; as a noun, it names the exposed side; and as an adverb, phrases such as to windward indicate movement toward the wind's source. The word is especially useful when direction matters: a windward beach receives the force of the weather, while a leeward beach is typically calmer and more protected. Although now literary or technical in many contexts, windward remains precise and evocative, conveying exposure, orientation, and the influence of wind. It is also paired with leeward in a long maritime tradition, making it a useful contrast for readers of maps, sailing accounts, travel writing, and descriptions of the natural world.
Facing the source of the wind or relating to the exposed side from which it blows.
"Dense trees protected the windward side of the house."
Especially used of ships, coasts, slopes, and other surfaces directly exposed to wind.
The side or direction from which the wind blows, especially the exposed side of a vessel or geographic feature.
"The boat pitched heavily as it rounded the point to windward."
The plural windwards is literary and uncommon; the phrase to windward is much more frequent.
Toward the source of the wind or in the direction from which it blows.
"The vessel was held to windward while the storm passed."
The usual construction is to windward, although windward can also follow a verb directly.
The plural is rare, chiefly literary or maritime, and refers to windward sides or areas.
"Both windwards of the inlet are exposed to the same storm."
Remember: the windward side is the side the wind comes from.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
Related word forms
How windward is actually used
Windward is most common in maritime, meteorological, and literary contexts. It is especially frequent in the established contrast with leeward and can describe coasts, slopes, buildings, or other features exposed to the wind. British and American usage is essentially the same.
Easily confused with windward
Windward is the side facing the wind's source, whereas leeward is the sheltered side away from it.