windmill Hear it!

windmill Definition

wind·mill (wind′mil′)

noun

  1. a mill operated by the wind's rotation of large, oblique sails or vanes radiating from a shaft: used as a source of power for grinding grain, pumping water, generating electricity, etc.
  2. anything like a windmill, as a propellerlike toy (pinwheel) revolved by wind

transitive verb, intransitive verb

to rotate like a windmill

windmill Idioms

fight windmills

or tilt at windmills

to fight imaginary evils or opponents: from Don Quixote's charging at windmills under the delusion that they were giants

windmill Synonyms

windmill

n.

rotating wheel, wind-driven wheel, post mill, tower mill, wind-charger, smock mill, water pump; see also mill 2, pump.

windmill Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • erect: The desert and time's collapsing a wooden shack and cross but leaving erect a flimsy wood windmill, is poetic license.
  • convert: More about Eastern England Self-catering accommodation in Eastern England includes Cottages, farmhouses and converted windmills and barns.
  • restore: A windmill restored in the early 1990s stands on a ridge overlooking the shore.
  • build: The company had by now also built a windmill close by to supplement grinding power whenever necessary.
  • see: I do not want to see windmills, " he said bluntly.

Preposition: with

  • terrace: Mallorca C'an Picafort, North Mallorca: Converted windmill with terraces and pool in rural location suits family groups with separate living accommodation.

Adjective modifier

  • converted: Also on this section, before the wharves, is an old converted windmill.
  • tall: At Thornton, visit 18th century Marsh Mill and take a tour to the top of Europe's tallest working windmill.
  • old: Old windmill on Newark Dike River Trent Navigation at Newark.
  • famous: THE MAIN body of Windmill Hill's famous windmill was finally put in place on Thursday.
  • working: Built in 1814, this mill is the tallest working smock windmill in England.
  • traditional: Would you be interested in siting your new shopping complex in a traditional windmill?

Modifies a noun

  • sail: The main reason he's famous is because of his death defying walks between the windmill sails, while they are turning.
  • hill: Your way back is through the south into the picturesque port of Mykonos with its famous windmill hills.
  • tower: Dumfries Museum is centered around the eighteenth century windmill tower which stands above the town.
  • farm: Windmill Farm is 1 mile north of Lizard village.

Noun used with modifier

  • smock: February 19 th 1834 To be sold a smock tower windmill at Lamarsh, Essex, drives two stones.
  • tower: Valuable tower windmill situated in good corn growing district.
  • century: In addition to the two church towers, a restored 17 th century post windmill adds to the scenic skyline.
  • post: In addition to the two church towers, a restored 17 th century post windmill adds to the scenic skyline.
windmill Quotes

A fellow that lives ina windmill hasnot a more whimsical dwelling thantheheartof a manthat islodged inawoman.

—Congreve,William