windfall

noun

wind·​fall ˈwin(d)-ˌfȯl How to pronounce windfall (audio)
Synonyms of windfall
1
: something (such as a tree or fruit) blown down by the wind
2
: an unexpected, unearned, or sudden gain or advantage

Synonyms of windfall

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Examples of windfall in a Sentence

They received a windfall because of the tax cuts. hitting the lottery jackpot was an incredible windfall for the recently laid-off worker
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, for example, sent oil prices soaring, delivering a windfall to Russia and prompting Washington to temporarily ease restrictions on Russian oil exports. — Andrea Kendall-Taylor, Foreign Affairs, 16 Oct. 2026 Elk Grove Village has decided to pass along the windfall to residents. — Tracy O'Brien, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026 Here are five tax tips for business owners to maximize their windfall. — Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026 Do not overlook the impact of any financial windfalls, either. — Becca Stanek, TheWeek, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for windfall

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of windfall was in the 15th century

Rhymes for windfall

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Browse Nearby Words

wind erosion
windfall
windfallen
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Cite this Entry

“Windfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/windfall. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

windfall

noun
wind·​fall -ˌfȯl How to pronounce windfall (audio)
1
: something (as a tree or fruit) blown down by the wind
2
: an unexpected gift, gain, or help
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