windfall

noun

wind·​fall ˈwin(d)-ˌfȯl How to pronounce windfall (audio)
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.
The windfall from those tolls was put toward a laundry list of transportation projects around the Bay Area — but not on bridges, Goodwin said. Grant Stringer, The Mercury News, 19 Nov. 2024 Critics argue that the GOP bills lack guardrails which, under current IRS rules, might allow high-income earners, such as hedge fund managers, lawyers and accountants, to game the system and enjoy a tax windfall. Bob Woods, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2024 Individuals experiencing a windfall after selling a business or from stock options after an IPO may also want to consider this strategy in high tax years. Kristin McKenna, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 The master carpenter explained how his surprise windfall came to be. Danielle Jennings, People.com, 29 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near windfall

Cite this Entry

“Windfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/windfall. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!