Weathervane: meaning, definitions and examples

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weathervane

[ˈwɛðərˌveɪn ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

on a roof

A weathervane is an instrument used to show the direction that the wind is blowing. It typically consists of a rotating arrow with directional indicators, such as north, south, east, and west. Weathervanes are often found on the tops of buildings, especially barns and houses.

Synonyms

weathercock.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
weathervane	Typically used in general descriptions or in architectural contexts, to describe an instrument that shows wind direction, usually placed on rooftops. The old barn had a weathervane on top, shaped like a rooster. Farmers often rely on the weathervane to tell which way the wind is blowing.
weathercock	Mostly used in a more specific or historical context and often to describe classic weathervanes that are shaped like a rooster, adding some decorative value. It might come across as old-fashioned or literary. The church steeple was adorned with a weathercock, proudly turned by the wind. As children, we would always watch the weathercock to predict the coming weather.

Word

Description / Examples

weathervane

Typically used in general descriptions or in architectural contexts, to describe an instrument that shows wind direction, usually placed on rooftops.

The old barn had a weathervane on top, shaped like a rooster.
Farmers often rely on the weathervane to tell which way the wind is blowing.

weathercock

Mostly used in a more specific or historical context and often to describe classic weathervanes that are shaped like a rooster, adding some decorative value. It might come across as old-fashioned or literary.

The church steeple was adorned with a weathercock, proudly turned by the wind.
As children, we would always watch the weathercock to predict the coming weather.

Examples of usage

The weathervane on top of the barn is spinning wildly in the strong wind.
The rooster weathervane on the farmhouse points towards the east.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term 'weathervane' originates from Old English, where 'weather' means atmospheric conditions and 'vane' refers to a movable indicator.
The word has been in use since at least the 13th century, reflecting its long-standing role in weather observation.

History

The first recorded weathervanes were used in ancient Greece around 48 BC, showcasing the early interest in wind direction.
In medieval Europe, weathervanes often took decorative forms like roosters, symbolizing vigilance and mornings.

Design

Most weathervanes are designed to be lightweight and are often made from materials like copper or aluminum for durability.
Traditional weathervanes typically feature a rooster, but many modern designs include animals, shapes, or personalized symbols.

Cultural Significance

In some cultures, weathervanes are believed to ward off evil spirits because their movement symbolizes change.
The rooster weathervane represents not only the dawn but also serves as a symbol of watchfulness in various traditions.

Science

The design of a weathervane is practical; its shape and balancing allow it to point accurately into the wind.
When the wind hits the larger tail surface, it pushes the tail away from the wind direction, allowing the arrow to indicate where the wind originates.

Translations

Translations of the word "weathervane" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cata-vento

🇮🇳 वेदर वेन

🇩🇪 Wetterfahne

🇮🇩 kincir angin cuaca

🇺🇦 флюгер

🇵🇱 wiatrowskaz

🇯🇵 風見鶏

🇫🇷 girouette

🇪🇸 veleta

🇹🇷 rüzgar gülü

🇰🇷 풍향계

🇸🇦 دوارة الرياح

🇨🇿 větrná korouhev

🇸🇰 veterná koruhva

🇨🇳 风向标

🇸🇮 vetrnica

🇮🇸 vindhani

🇰🇿 желбауыр

🇬🇪 ქარის მიმართულების მანიშნებელი

🇦🇿 külək gülü

🇲🇽 veleta

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,149, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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38146 trumping
38147 mucked
38148 ragamuffin
38149 weathervane
38150 misdirect
38151 copulated
38152 brainwave
...