Dictionary

1windmill

noun wind·mill \ˈwin(d)-ˌmil\

: a structure that has parts which are turned around by the wind and that is used to produce power, pump water, etc.

Full Definition of WINDMILL

1
a :  a mill or machine operated by the wind usually acting on oblique vanes or sails that radiate from a horizontal shaft; especially :  a wind-driven water pump or electric generator
b :  the wind-driven wheel of a windmill
2
:  something that resembles or suggests a windmill; especially :  a calisthenic exercise that involves alternately lowering each outstretched hand to touch the toes of the opposite foot
3
[from the episode in Don Quixote by Cervantes in which the hero attacks windmills under the illusion that they are giants] :  an imaginary wrong, evil, or opponent —usually used in the phrase to tilt at windmills
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Illustration of WINDMILL

First Known Use of WINDMILL

14th century

2windmill

verb

Definition of WINDMILL

transitive verb
:  to cause to move like a windmill
intransitive verb
:  to move like a windmill; especially :  to spin from the force of wind

First Known Use of WINDMILL

1914
WINDMILL Defined for Kids

windmill

noun wind·mill \ˈwind-ˌmil\

Definition of WINDMILL for Kids

:  a mill or a machine (as for pumping water) worked by the wind turning sails or vanes at the top of a tower

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