weathercock: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowneutral, but the metaphorical sense is formal/literary
Quick answer
What does “weathercock” mean?
A revolving pointer, often in the shape of a rooster, mounted on a high point (like a church spire) to show the direction of the wind.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A revolving pointer, often in the shape of a rooster, mounted on a high point (like a church spire) to show the direction of the wind.
A person who frequently and abruptly changes their opinions, loyalties, or principles, especially to follow prevailing trends or to please others; an inconstant person.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood in both varieties, but 'weathervane' is a more common neutral term for the object in AmE. The metaphorical sense is more likely found in formal or literary contexts in both.
Connotations
The same in both: literal (neutral), figurative (strongly negative).
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in BrE for the literal object, though still less common than 'weather vane'. Both varieties use the metaphorical sense with similar rarity.
Grammar
How to Use “weathercock” in a Sentence
to weathercock (intransitive verb - rare)be a weathercock (copula + noun)act like a weathercock (verb + like + noun)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “weathercock” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The lightweight craft began to weathercock dangerously in the strong crosswind.
- His opinions seem to weathercock with every new opinion poll.
American English
- The plane started to weathercock on the runway as the gust hit.
- Politicians who weathercock lose the trust of the electorate.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form)
American English
- (No standard adverbial form)
adjective
British English
- He had a weathercock inconsistency that made him impossible to trust.
- (Very rare; 'weathercock' as attributive noun more common: 'weathercock politician')
American English
- (Rare; the adjectival use is not standard).
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly used metaphorically to criticise a competitor or executive seen as having no core strategy.
Academic
Rare, may appear in historical or literary analysis describing characters.
Everyday
Very rare for the literal object (more likely 'weather vane'). The metaphorical use is uncommon and formal.
Technical
Used in meteorology or architecture for the specific instrument, though 'wind vane' is more standard.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “weathercock”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “weathercock”
- Spelling: 'weathercock' is one word, not 'weather cock'.
- Using it as a common term for any wind vane; it specifically implies the traditional rooster shape.
- Overusing the metaphorical sense; it is a strong, literary insult.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Almost. A weathercock is a type of weather vane, specifically one shaped like a rooster. All weathercocks are weather vanes, but not all weather vanes are weathercocks (they can be arrows, horses, etc.).
Yes, in its metaphorical sense it is a strong criticism, implying they are unprincipled, fickle, and guided only by convenience or popularity. It is a formal or literary insult.
Yes, but it is rare and technical. In aviation or sailing, it can mean for an aircraft or vessel to turn into the wind. Metaphorically, it can mean to change direction or opinion frequently.
The rooster has Christian symbolism (recalling Peter's denial of Jesus before the cock crowed), serving as a moral reminder. It was also a common farm animal and its shape was easily identifiable from a distance.
A revolving pointer, often in the shape of a rooster, mounted on a high point (like a church spire) to show the direction of the wind.
Weathercock is usually neutral, but the metaphorical sense is formal/literary in register.
Weathercock: in British English it is pronounced /ˈweð.ə.kɒk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈweð.ɚ.kɑːk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “blow with the wind (related concept)”
- “trim one's sails (related concept)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Picture a ROOSTER (cock) on a roof that changes direction with every change in the WEATHER. A 'weathercock' person 'crows' whatever opinion the 'wind' of popular favour is blowing.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CHANGEABLE PERSON IS AN INSTRUMENT THAT TURNS WITH THE WIND (THE WIND OF PUBLIC OPINION/SOCIAL PRESSURE).
Practice
Quiz
In which of these contexts is the word 'weathercock' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?