windmill

A machine with large blades turned by wind, used to grind grain, pump water, or produce power.

• The windmill turns in the wind.
• An old windmill once ground grain here.
• These windmills pump water for the farm.

Common phrases: old windmill, windmill blades, wooden windmill

An enemy or problem that someone believes is real although it exists only in their imagination.

• The enemy he feared was merely a windmill.
• She wasted years fighting political windmills.
• His campaign attacked windmills while real problems went unsolved.

Similar words: imaginary enemy

Common phrases: imaginary windmill, fight a windmill, a political windmill

To move something, especially your arms, in large circles.

• He began to windmill his arms.
• She windmilled wildly as she lost her balance.
• The dancer was windmilling both arms above his head.

Similar words: rotate, swing around

Common phrases: windmill your arms, windmill wildly, windmill both arms

To turn freely without being driven by a motor, often after becoming disconnected.

• The propeller continued to windmill.
• The disconnected wheel windmilled for a few seconds.
• Airflow kept the blades windmilling after the engine stopped.

Similar words: freewheel, spin freely

Common phrases: windmill freely, windmill in airflow, windmill without power