windfall

noun

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

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.
But the news of Tesla’s windfall outraged some in the trucking industry, who allege the state provided the world’s wealthiest automaker with preferential treatment for a vehicle that is not ready. Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026 Meanwhile, a little windfall might come your way. Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 8 Feb. 2026 And this is an even more important skill to have on Appian's board, as the company is on the verge of coming into an at least $500 million windfall from a corporate espionage lawsuit filed against Pega. Kenneth Squire, CNBC, 7 Feb. 2026 With the city’s pocketbooks faring no better now, officials have begun talking about making another pitch to Yuba City and Sutter County residents for a tax that could prove a windfall relative to the city’s flat revenue streams of late. Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 7 Feb. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Windfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/windfall. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on windfall

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