How Do You Spell WINDMILL?

Pronunciation: [wˈɪndmɪl] (IPA)

The spelling of "windmill" can be confusing due to the presence of a silent "d". The IPA phonetic transcription is /ˈwɪndmɪl/, which breaks down the word into individual sounds. The first syllable "wind" sounds like the movement of air, while the second syllable "mill" sounds like the place where grains are ground. Despite the silent "d" between the two syllables, the word is pronounced as if it was spelled "winmill". This unique spelling is just one example of the intricate nature of the English language.

WINDMILL Meaning and Definition

  1. A windmill is a mechanical device primarily designed to harness the power of wind to generate energy or perform various tasks. It typically consists of a large vertical or horizontal structure with a system of blades, known as sails or vanes, that are connected to a central shaft. The wind exerts force on the sails, resulting in rotational motion of the shaft, which is then used to power machinery or generate electricity.

    Traditionally, windmills were widely used for grinding grains into flour, pumping water, or processing various agricultural products. In these applications, the rotational motion of the windmill's shaft was harnessed through gears and other mechanical components to perform the desired task. Over time, windmills have evolved to accommodate different demands and technological advancements, such as the ability to generate electricity.

    Modern windmills, also referred to as wind turbines, are typically equipped with aerodynamically designed blades and are commonly found in wind farms or isolated locations with high wind flow. The rotational energy generated by the wind turbine is converted into electrical energy through the use of a generator.

    Windmills have played a significant role throughout history as a sustainable and renewable source of energy, harnessing the power of nature to provide essential services and resources. Their design and functionality continue to evolve as advancements in technology and engineering allow for more efficient energy production from wind.

  2. A mill driven by the force of the wind.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for WINDMILL

Etymology of WINDMILL

The word "windmill" has a Dutch and Germanic origin. In Old English, the term "windmelle" (also spelled as "windmele", "windmylene", or "windmulne") was used to describe a mill operated by the power of wind. This compound word combines the elements "wind" (referring to the moving air) and "melle" (meaning "mill" or "grinding machine"). The term has remained relatively consistent in its spelling and pronunciation throughout its history.

Idioms with the word WINDMILL

  • not know A from a windmill The idiom "not know A from a windmill" means to be completely unaware or ignorant of a particular subject or unable to distinguish between two similar things or concepts. It implies a lack of knowledge or understanding, often used humorously or scathingly to depict someone's incompetence or confusion.
  • throw (one's) bonnet over the windmill The idiom "throw (one's) bonnet over the windmill" means to engage in unrealistic or impractical pursuits or to pursue unrealistic goals. It is derived from the story of Don Quixote, a fictional character who famously tilted at windmills, mistaking them for giants. Thus, "throwing one's bonnet over the windmill" refers to engaging in fanciful or misguided ventures.
  • throw (one's) hat over the windmill The idiom "throw (one's) hat over the windmill" refers to taking a risk or embarking on a daring adventure. It is inspired by the character Don Quixote from Miguel de Cervantes' novel, who famously jousts with windmills, mistaking them for giants. Thus, throwing one's hat over the windmill implies acting boldly and taking on a challenge, regardless of the potential risks or consequences involved.
  • fling (one's) bonnet over the windmill
  • fling (one's) cap over the windmill
  • fling your cap over the windmill "Fling your cap over the windmill" means to take a risk or chance, to go for broke or attempt something with a bold and reckless attitude. It is derived from the action of throwing one's cap over a windmill, which would be a daring and impulsive gesture.
  • throw (one's) cap over the windmill The idiom "throw (one's) cap over the windmill" means to take a risk or make a bold or reckless decision. It is often used to describe someone who is behaving impulsively or without thinking about the consequences.
  • fling (one's) hat over the windmill To take a risk or make a bold decision, often without considering potential consequences.

Similar spelling words for WINDMILL

Plural form of WINDMILL is WINDMILLS

Conjugate verb Windmill

CONDITIONAL

I would windmill
you would windmill
he/she/it would windmill
we would windmill
they would windmill

CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS

I would be windmilling
you would be windmilling
he/she/it would be windmilling
we would be windmilling
they would be windmilling

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have windmill
you would have windmill
he/she/it would have windmill
we would have windmill
they would have windmill

CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I would have been windmilling
you would have been windmilling
he/she/it would have been windmilling
we would have been windmilling
they would have been windmilling

FUTURE

I will windmill
you will windmill
he/she/it will windmill
we will windmill
they will windmill

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be windmilling
you will be windmilling
he/she/it will be windmilling
we will be windmilling
they will be windmilling

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have windmilled
you will have windmilled
he/she/it will have windmilled
we will have windmilled
they will have windmilled

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been windmilling
you will have been windmilling
he/she/it will have been windmilling
we will have been windmilling
they will have been windmilling

IMPERATIVE

you windmill
we let´s windmill

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to windmill

PAST

I windmilled
you windmilled
he/she/it windmilled
we windmilled
they windmilled

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was windmilling
you were windmilling
he/she/it was windmilling
we were windmilling
they were windmilling

PAST PARTICIPLE

windmilled

PAST PERFECT

I had windmilled
you had windmilled
he/she/it had windmilled
we had windmilled
they had windmilled

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been windmilling
you had been windmilling
he/she/it had been windmilling
we had been windmilling
they had been windmilling

PRESENT

I windmill
you windmill
he/she/it windmills
we windmill
they windmill

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am windmilling
you are windmilling
he/she/it is windmilling
we are windmilling
they are windmilling

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

windmilling

PRESENT PERFECT

I have windmilled
you have windmilled
he/she/it has windmilled
we have windmilled
they have windmilled

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been windmilling
you have been windmilling
he/she/it has been windmilling
we have been windmilling
they have been windmilling

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