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to windward

 - 3 dictionary results

wind⋅ward

  [wind-werd]
Use to windward in a Sentence
–adverb
1. toward the wind; toward the point from which the wind blows.
–adjective
2. pertaining to, situated in, or moving toward the quarter from which the wind blows (opposed to leeward ).
–noun
3. the point or quarter from which the wind blows.
4. the side toward the wind.
—Idiom
5. to windward, in a position of vantage: We got to windward of the difficulty.
Also, to the windward.

Origin:
1540–50; wind 1 + -ward

Related forms:
wind⋅ward⋅ness, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To to windward
wind·ward   (wĭnd'wərd)   
adj.  

  1. Of or moving toward the quarter from which the wind blows.

  2. Of or on the side exposed to the wind or to prevailing winds.

adv.  In a direction from which the wind blows; against the wind.
n.  The direction from which the wind blows.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Idioms & Phrases

to windward

Toward an advantageous position, as in We were hoping to get to windward of the situation. This expression transfers the nautical meaning of the phrase, "move in the direction from which the wind blows," to other kinds of undertaking. Its figurative use dates from the late 1700s.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
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