a building with sails or vanes that turn in the wind and generate power to grind grain into flour or to pump water, a toy consisting of vanes of colored paper or plastic that is pinned to a stick and spins when blown on by the wind

Formal and Informal Expressions of windmill

In different contexts, you can replace 'windmill' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'turbine, generator' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'fan' is a commonplace synonym.

windmill: Explore its Definition & Usage

windmill Definition

1a building with sails or vanes that turn in the wind and generate power to grind grain into flour or to pump water
2a toy consisting of vanes of colored paper or plastic that is pinned to a stick and spins when blown on by the wind

Using windmill: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "windmill" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The windmill was used to grind wheat into flour.
Example
The old windmill on the hill still turns in the wind.
Example
The farm has a windmill that pumps water for the animals.
Example
The children played with their windmill toys on the beach.

windmill Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for windmill

Phrases with windmill

tilting at windmills
to attack imaginary enemies or fight unwinnable or futile battles
Example
He's always tilting at windmills, trying to change things that can't be changed.
put your nose to the grindstone
to work hard and steadily
Example
If you want to succeed in this business, you need to put your nose to the grindstone and work long hours.
catch the wind
to take advantage of an opportunity
Example
If we can catch the wind and get this project done quickly, we'll have a better chance of success.

Origins of windmill

from Middle English 'windmulne', from Old English 'windmylen'

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Summary: windmill in Brief

A 'windmill' [ˈwɪndmɪl] is a building with sails or vanes that turn in the wind to generate power, typically to grind grain into flour or to pump water. It can also refer to a toy consisting of vanes of colored paper or plastic that spins when blown on by the wind. The phrase 'tilting at windmills' means to fight unwinnable battles, while 'put your nose to the grindstone' means to work hard and steadily.