windward

comparative more windward · superlative most windward · alternative wind'ard

1. Towards the wind, or the direction from which the wind is blowing.

   The windward boat must give way to the leeward boat.

   Synonyms: aweather

2. On the side exposed to the wind.

   the windward bedroom

   Synonyms: aweather

3. figurativelyIn a position of advantage or superiority.

   1 more example

   […] but while they own what G. Fox hath written, and that he writ it with a perfect spirit: I say untill they do make some Recantation or Retractation: or shew the Reasons why they doe not, H. Norton who keeps more plainly to his Principles is to windward of them, and the Foxians do but strip themselves naked to be more derided and scorned as the more notorious Juglers and Dissemblers .

   1872, Publications of the Narragansett Club: George Fox digg'd out of his burrowes, page 257

alternative wind'ard

1. not comparableIn a direction from which the wind blows, against or towards the wind.

   We beat our way windward.

alternative wind'ard

1. The direction from which the wind blows.

   To shield our tent from hurricane-force winds, we built a wall of snow blocks to windward, cutting the blocks with one of the catamaran's paddles.

   1989 May, Jeff MacInnis, “Braving the Northwest Passage”, in National Geographic, volume 175, number 5, page 592

   1 more example

   A vessel has the weather gage of another when she is to windward of her. A weatherly ship is one that works well to windward, making but little leeway.

   1840, Richard Henry Dana, Two Years before the Mast

2. The side receiving the wind's force.