williwaw

[ wil-ee-waw ]

noun

1. a violent squall that blows in near-polar latitudes, as in the Strait of Magellan, Alaska, and the Aleutian Islands.

williwaw

/ ˈwɪlɪˌwɔː /

noun

1. a sudden strong gust of cold wind blowing offshore from a mountainous coast, as in the Strait of Magellan
2. a state of great turmoil

Word History and Origins

Origin of williwaw¹

First recorded in 1835–45; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of williwaw¹

C19: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

On the afternoon of the tenth day on the island the sky clouded up and Mr. Gibney predicted a williwaw.

From Project Gutenberg

A williwaw began in the hills ahead and swept out and set the ship to reeling crazily in its erratic currents.

From Project Gutenberg