Windmill - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A windmill is a structure with rotating blades that harness wind energy to grind grain, pump water, or generate electricity. It is often seen in rural or coastal areas.
Definition:
A structure with rotating blades that converts wind energy into mechanical power, often used for grinding grain or generating electricity.
Synonyms:
wind turbine, wind generator, wind engine
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
still air, calm
Common Collocations:
old windmill, windmill blades, windmill farm, Dutch windmill
Derivatives:
windmilling, windmilled
Usage Tips:
Use "windmill" to describe structures harnessing wind power; avoid confusing it with "wind turbine," which is more modern and electric-focused.
Common Phrases:
tilt at windmills, like a broken windmill, gone like the windmill's sails
Etymology:
From Old English "windmil," combining "wind" and "mil" (mill), referring to a mill powered by wind.
Examples:
- 1. The old windmill stands tall in the field.
- 2. She watched the windmill spin gracefully in the breeze.
- 3. Windmills were once essential for grinding wheat into flour.
- 4. The farmer built a small windmill to generate electricity.