windmill Definition

windmill
noun

1. A mechanical device operated by wind-driven sails or vanes that revolve about a fixed shaft, formerly used in W Europe to mill flour, now used in many developing countries to pump water (eg for land drainage) and to generate electricity.
2. A toy with a set of plastic or paper sails mounted on a stick, that revolve in the wind.

verb

1. To move, or make something move, like the vanes of a windmill.

Idiom: tilt at windmills

To attack imaginary opponents

Etymology: with reference to Cervantes' hero Don Quixote, who in a crazed state gave battle to windmills, thinking them to be knights.

Etymology: 13c.