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.
Lilly made another acquisition yesterday, putting its obesity windfall to work. — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026 The men gathered saw a nefarious opportunity and turned catastrophe into an enormous windfall. — Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 1 Sep. 2026 Betancourt and others involved in these projects, which the White House said include wells previously owned by China and Russia, will pocket a windfall. — Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 1 Sep. 2026 Still, younger generations shouldn’t expect a windfall from inheritances. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 31 Aug. 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 3 Sep. 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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