windmill

A machine that runs on the energy generated by a wheel of adjustable blades or slats rotated by the wind.

Something, such as a toy pinwheel, that is similar to a windmill in appearance or operation.

To move or cause to move like the wheel of a windmill; rotate sweepingly.

(tilt at windmills) To confront and engage in conflict with an imagined opponent or threat.

A mill or machine for grinding, pumping, or other purposes, moved by the wind; a wind-motor; any form of motor for utilizing the pressure of the wind as a motive power.

A visionary scheme; a vain project; a fancy; a chimera.

A mill operated by the power of the wind, usually by the action of the wind upon oblique vanes or sails which radiate from a horizontal shaft.

A machine which translates linear motion of wind to rotational motion by means of adjustable vanes called sails.

The structure containing such machinery.

A child’s toy consisting of vanes mounted on a stick that rotate when blown by a person or by the wind.