wind vane

[ wind ]

noun

1. weather vane.

Word History and Origins

Origin of wind vane¹

First recorded in 1715–25

Example Sentences

For decades, this state was a reliable wind vane of American politics.

From New York Times

“He’s a wind vane, he’s got no base and the community is divided because of it.”

From Washington Times

The sensor, several inches long, is essentially a small wind vane affixed to the jet’s fuselage.

From Seattle Times

Angle-of-attack sensors, which operate like a wind vane on the side of a jet, are designed to show how air is flowing relative to where the nose is pointed and alert pilots of a too-steep climb that could result in an aerodynamic stall.

From Los Angeles Times

Like a wind vane waiting for a gust to come along and spin it round.

From Literature