Weathercock: meaning, definitions and examples

🐓

Add to dictionary

weathercock

[ ˈwɛðərˌkɒk ]

^{Context #1}

meteorological instrument

A weathercock is a weathervane in the shape of a rooster, often mounted on a church steeple or a barn, used to show the direction of the wind.

Synonyms

weathervane, wind vane

Examples of usage

The weathercock on top of the church steeple spun wildly in the strong wind.
The old barn had a weathercock that creaked in the breeze.

^{Context #2}

fickle person

Informally, a weathercock can also refer to a person who frequently changes their opinions or behavior, similar to a fickle nature.

Synonyms

fickle person, indecisive person

Examples of usage

Don't trust him, he's a weathercock who will agree with whoever he's talking to at the moment.
She's such a weathercock, always changing her mind.

Translations

Translations of the word "weathercock" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cata-vento

🇮🇳 मौसम का मुर्गा

🇩🇪 Wetterhahn

🇮🇩 penunjuk arah angin

🇺🇦 флюгер

🇵🇱 wiatrowskaz

🇯🇵 風見鶏 (かざみどり)

🇫🇷 girouette

🇪🇸 veleta

🇹🇷 rüzgar gülü

🇰🇷 풍향계

🇸🇦 دجاجة الطقس

🇨🇿 korouhvička

🇸🇰 veterný kohút

🇨🇳 风向标 (fēngxiàng biāo)

🇸🇮 vetrnica

🇮🇸 veðurhani

🇰🇿 желбағар

🇬🇪 ქარის ვარსკვლავი

🇦🇿 külək fırçası

🇲🇽 veleta

Word origin

The term 'weathercock' originated in the late 16th century, combining 'weather' with 'cock' referring to a male bird, usually a rooster. The use of weathercocks as meteorological instruments dates back to ancient times, with various cultures using different shapes and symbols to indicate wind direction. Over time, the term also developed a figurative meaning to describe someone who is changeable or fickle in nature.