Definition
The side or direction from which the wind is blowing. A windward slope, surface, or face is the one the wind strikes first.
Plain English
The side that the wind is hitting. If you stand facing the wind, you are looking toward the windward side.
Context Anchor
Seen when discussing wind flowing over ridges, buildings, trees, and other obstructions.
Derivation
From 'wind' + '-ward,' an Old English suffix meaning 'in the direction of.' So 'windward' literally means 'toward the wind' — the side facing into it.
Why Pilots Care
Knowing which side is windward helps predict areas of rising air, turbulence, or downdrafts when crossing terrain.
Grounding Statement
If the wind is blowing against the front side of a hill, that front side is the windward side.
Intuition Check
Do not read windward as just “windy.” It means the side facing the incoming wind.
Example Sentence 1
Approaching the ridge, the pilot expected smooth rising air on the windward side and possible turbulence on the other side.
Example Sentence 2
On the windward side of the mountain the air was smooth, but turbulence increased once past the summit.