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williwaw

noun
wil·​li·​waw | \ ˈwi-li-ËŒwȯ How to pronounce williwaw (audio) \

Definition of williwaw

1a : a sudden violent gust of cold land air common along mountainous coasts of high latitudes
b : a sudden violent wind
2 : a violent commotion
Synonyms How Should You Use williwaw? Example Sentences Learn More about williwaw

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How Should You Use williwaw?

In 1900, Captain Joshua Slocum described williwaws as compressed gales of wind . . . that Boreas handed down over the hills in chunks. To unsuspecting sailors or pilots, such winds might seem to come out of nowhere - just like word williwaw did some 150 years ago. All anyone knows about the origin of the word is that it was first used by writers in the mid-1800s to name fierce winds in the Strait of Magellan at the southern tip of South America. The writers were British, and indications are that they may have learned the word from British sailors and seal hunters. Where they got the word, we cannot say.

Examples of williwaw in a Sentence

the surprise verdict of the jury created a wild williwaw as reporters rushed to file their stories a williwaw rose up seemingly out of nowhere and wreaked havoc with our campsite

Recent Examples on the Web

 The williwaw gusts swirled thick fog among transport ships off Attu Island, and the waiting infantrymen nervously mulled the name of their landing site: Massacre Bay. — Alex Horton, Washington Post, "Thousands of Japanese fought in a bloody World War II battle for the Aleutians. Only 28 survived.," 24 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'williwaw.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of williwaw

circa 1842, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for williwaw

origin unknown

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More from Merriam-Webster on williwaw

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with williwaw

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for williwaw

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