weather vane: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1neutral, technical
Quick answer
What does “weather vane” mean?
a device, often mounted on a roof, that turns to show the direction of the wind.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
a device, often mounted on a roof, that turns to show the direction of the wind.
A person or thing that frequently changes direction or opinion, like a wind indicator.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: 'weather vane' (two words) is standard in both, but 'weathervane' (one word) is also accepted, especially in US technical contexts. The metaphorical use is slightly more common in British political commentary.
Connotations
Neutral for the object; mildly pejorative when used metaphorically for a person.
Frequency
The term is moderately low-frequency, appearing more in descriptive texts, historical contexts, and weather-related discussions than in everyday conversation.
Grammar
How to Use “weather vane” in a Sentence
The [ADJ] weather vane [VERBed] in the wind.They installed a weather vane on [NOUN].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used metaphorically: 'The CEO is a weather vane for industry trends.'
Academic
Appears in historical architecture, meteorology, and cultural studies texts.
Everyday
Describing a rooftop feature or jokingly about an indecisive friend.
Technical
A specific instrument for indicating wind direction, often part of a larger meteorological station.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “weather vane”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “weather vane”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “weather vane”
- Misspelling as 'weather vain' or 'weather vein'. Using it as a verb (e.g., 'He weather vaned').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A weathercock is a type of weather vane traditionally shaped like a rooster. 'Weather vane' is the general term; 'weathercock' is a specific, common design.
No, it is only a noun. You cannot say 'he weather vanes'. For the action, you would say 'the vane turns/swivels' or use the metaphor 'he shifts like a weather vane'.
Yes, especially in American English technical usage, but the two-word form 'weather vane' is more common in general writing.
It refers to a person or institution that frequently changes its position or opinion, often to align with prevailing trends or power.
a device, often mounted on a roof, that turns to show the direction of the wind.
Weather vane is usually neutral, technical in register.
Weather vane: in British English it is pronounced /ˈweðə veɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈweðər veɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Person] is a political weather vane, always shifting with the polls.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: WEATHER changes, and a VANE points; a weather vane points to show which way the weather (wind) is coming from.
Conceptual Metaphor
CHANGE IS WIND / INDECISION IS A SPINNING OBJECT (A person who is a 'weather vane' is blown by the winds of opinion).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a weather vane?