tailwind
/ˈteɪlwʌɪnd/
noun
Origin
English
tail + wind — wind occurring at the 'tail' (rear) of a vessel
Overview
Meaning Now
- A wind blowing from behind an object, such as a vehicle or aircraft, increasing its speed relative to the ground.
- A metaphorical force or trend that helps an individual, organization, or economy progress or grow.
Literal older meaning
a wind blowing in the direction of travel
Language path
Old English → Middle English → Modern English
Earliest form
tail-wind
Earliest period
late 16th century
Journey
The term originated in the age of sail, where ships relied on winds from the rear (running before the wind) to gain speed. It has since become common in aviation and, increasingly, corporate or economic parlance to describe external factors that facilitate progress.
Evolution
- Old English
tægl + wind
“rear part + air in motion”
Compound formation of the two Germanic roots.
- Middle English
taill-wind
“wind blowing from behind”
Used primarily in maritime contexts.
- Modern English
tailwind
“wind aiding speed; favorable influence”
Expanded to abstract usage in economics and business.
Connections
Word parts
tail
root
rear end of an object
wind
root
moving air
Related across languages
German
Rückenwind
tailwind (literally 'back-wind')
Dutch
meewind
tailwind (literally 'with-wind')
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Related to tailwind
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.