tailwind

American  

[teyl-wind] / ˈteɪlˌwɪnd /

noun

1. a wind coming from directly behind a moving object, especially an aircraft or other vehicle (opposed to headwind).

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tailwind British  

/ ˈteɪlˌwɪnd /

noun

1. a wind blowing in the same direction as the course of an aircraft or ship Compare headwind

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Etymology

Origin of tailwind

First recorded in 1895–1900; tail ¹ + wind ¹

Explanation

When a strong breeze sends your kite soaring higher into the sky, that helpful gust is a tailwind. A tailwind is a wind that blows in the same direction an aircraft or ship is moving, giving it a helpful boost. In aviation and sailing, a tailwind can help planes and boats move faster and use less fuel. For runners and cyclists, a tailwind can make the journey feel easier and quicker. Whether you're flying, sailing, or just riding your bike, a tailwind is like a friendly push from nature, making your trip smoother and faster.

Example Sentences

NDR acknowledges that AI-driven electricity demand should remain a long-term tailwind for utilities, but say “income alone is no longer a compelling reason to invest in the sector.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 17, 2026

The deal has been a tailwind for Schneider.

From Barron's • Apr. 16, 2026

They said that 16% growth represents a level “rarely expected at the start of any earnings season,” but justified by a favorable macro environment, rising cyclical growth drivers and a weak dollar tailwind.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026

But higher-income cohorts will still benefit from the refund tailwind.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

The tailwind had stiffened further, slicing up the length of the lake now, piling more rough water into heaps of whitecaps at the north end.

From "The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics" by Daniel James Brown