windbreak

noun

wind·​break ˈwin(d)-ˌbrāk How to pronounce windbreak (audio)
: a growth of trees or shrubs serving to break the force of wind
broadly : a shelter (such as a fence) from the wind

Examples of windbreak in a Sentence

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.
Fruit trees are beautiful landscape additions, improve air quality, may add to your property’s value, and can serve as windbreaks. Clarence Schmidt, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Oct. 2025 Cutting back on mowing, limiting pesticides and creating windbreaks will all help monarchs survive. Caitlin Looby, jsonline.com, 25 Sep. 2025 Mario elbowed me into a small windbreak. Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 20 Sep. 2025 However, their aggressive roots eventually invalidated them for this purpose, although they are still used for windbreaks or privacy screens. Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 16 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for windbreak

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of windbreak was in 1846

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Cite this Entry

“Windbreak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/windbreak. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

windbreak

noun
wind·​break -ˌbrāk How to pronounce windbreak (audio)
: something (as a growth of trees) that serves as a shelter from the wind

More from Merriam-Webster on windbreak

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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