wind

Air moving outside, from a gentle movement to a strong force.

• The wind is cold today.
• Strong winds damaged the roof last night.
• The wind blew my hat into the river.

Similar words: breeze

Common phrases: strong wind, cold wind, wind blows

Air pushed into motion by a moving object or a machine.

• The fan’s wind scattered the papers.
• We felt the wind of the passing train.
• The wind from the propeller pushed dust into our faces.

Similar words: airflow, blast

Common phrases: wind from something, wind of something

Air considered as one of the four basic substances in ancient Greek and Roman thought.

• The four elements were earth, water, wind, and fire.
• In this ancient theory, wind was a basic element.
• The diagram gives wind a place beside earth.

Similar words: air

Common phrases: element of wind, wind and fire

To wrap string, wire, or something similar around an object.

• Wind the string around the stick.
• She wound the thread onto a small reel.
• Can you wind this wire into a coil?

How to use it: wind something around something (Wind the rope around the post.); wind something into something (She wound the wool into a ball.)

Similar words: wrap, coil

Opposites: unwind

Common phrases: wind the string, wind something around, wind into something

To follow a path that turns and bends in different directions.

• The road winds through the hills.
• A narrow path wound between the trees.
• The river winds slowly toward the sea.

How to use it: wind through something (The river winds through the valley.); wind around something (The path winds around the hill.)

Similar words: twist, snake, meander

Common phrases: wind through something, wind around something, wind along something

To finally be in a particular place or situation after other things happen.

• We wound up at the wrong station.
• She wound up paying for everyone.
• How did you wind up here?

How to use it: wind up + adjective (We wound up exhausted.); wind up doing something (They wound up staying for a week.); wind up in/at somewhere (He wound up in hospital after the fall.)

Similar words: end up, finish up

Common phrases: wind up lost, wind up somewhere, wind up doing

To turn part of a clock or machine to tighten the spring that powers it.

• Wind the clock every morning.
• She wound her watch before going to bed.
• Have you wound up the little toy car?

How to use it: wind something up (He wound the toy up and put it on the floor.)

Opposites: unwind

Common phrases: wind a clock, wind a watch, wind something up

To gradually lose power and move or operate more slowly.

• The toy started to wind down.
• The motor wound down until it stopped.
• We listened as the clockwork mechanism wound down.

How to use it: wind down (The toy began to wind down as its spring loosened.)

Similar words: slow down

Common phrases: wind down, motor wind down