windmill
windmill — noun
1. A traditional building whose large outer blades turn in the wind, providing powe
A traditional building whose large outer blades turn in the wind, providing power to pump water or grind grain into flour.
Trang visited a windmill in the Netherlands that still grinds barley into flour.
collocation: grind grain / pump water
The old windmill stood on a hill overlooking the fields.
Farmers once used windmills to pump water from the ground for their crops.
The blades of the windmill turned slowly in the light breeze.
Lukas's family owns a restored windmill that now serves as a museum.
- mill
broader term — can also be powered by water or animals
用法筆記
In British English, the rotating parts of this type of windmill are traditionally called sails rather than blades.
常見錯誤
2. A modern, tall structure with blades that turn in the wind to generate electrici
A modern, tall structure with blades that turn in the wind to generate electricity.
A row of windmills stood on the ridge, each one powering hundreds of homes.
modern sense: wind turbine / electricity generation
The government plans to build more windmills along the coast.
Each windmill can produce enough electricity for a small village.
Devika's job is to maintain the windmills at the new renewable energy farm.
- wind turbine
the more technical and precise term
- turbine
refers to the rotating machine itself; can also be water-driven
- generator
focuses on the electrical output rather than the whole structure
用法筆記
In everyday conversation, windmill is often used to mean wind turbine. Engineers and technical writers prefer wind turbine for electricity-generating devices.
常見錯誤
3. A children's toy on a short stick, with a colourful plastic wheel that turns in
A children's toy on a short stick, with a colourful plastic wheel that turns in the wind — children also make it spin by blowing on the blades.
The little girl ran across the park holding a bright pink windmill.
child's toy pinwheel on a stick
Caio bought a windmill for his nephew at the street fair.
In the wind, the plastic windmill spun so fast it became a blur of colour.
Children waved their windmills in the air on the windy beach.
- pinwheel
standard term in American English
用法筆記
In American English, this toy is usually called a pinwheel. The word windmill for this toy is more common in British English.
windmill — verb
1. To turn your arm or arms around in big circles, the way a windmill's blades turn
To turn your arm or arms around in big circles, the way a windmill's blades turn.
Élise windmilled her arms to get the attention of the lifeguard.
transitive: windmill + direct object (arms)
As the boat tipped, everyone's arms windmilled as they tried not to fall in.
intransitive: body part + windmill
The conductor windmilled his arms wildly to signal the orchestra.
Christopher fell backward, his legs and arms windmilling in the air.
Asher windmilled his arms to keep his balance on the narrow log.
文法句型
windmill + direct object (usually arms/legs)
Subject + windmill (intransitive, body part as subject)
用法筆記
Often describes uncontrolled movements, especially when someone is falling or losing balance. Also used in sports for wild swings or throws.