What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
wind
Example
The wind is blowing hard today. [wind: noun]
Example
She had to wind the rope around the post to secure the boat. [wind: verb]
gust
Example
A gust of wind blew my hat off. [gust: noun]
Example
She was hit by a gust of anger and stormed out of the room. [gust: noun]
Example
The fire suddenly flared up with a gust of wind. [gust: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Wind is a more common word than gust and is used in a wider range of contexts, including weather reports, sailing, and power generation. Gust is less common and is typically used to describe sudden bursts of wind or intense emotions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between wind and gust?
Both wind and gust can be used in formal and informal contexts, but wind is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of situations.