Weathercock: meaning, definitions and examples
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weathercock
[ ˈwɛðərˌkɒk ]
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.
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.
See also: weathered, weathering, weatherman, weatherproof, weatherproofing, weatherstripping, weathervane, weatherward, wether.