Windward vs. Leeward — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 2, 2023
Windward refers to the side facing the wind, while leeward indicates the side sheltered from the wind.
Difference Between Windward and Leeward
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Windward describes the side or direction from which the wind is blowing, often exposed and receiving more wind. Leeward is the opposite side, protected and receiving less wind.
In geography, windward areas of mountains receive more rain due to moist air rising and cooling. Leeward sides are drier, with descending air warming and reducing rainfall.
Sailors use windward to indicate the direction into the wind, often facing rougher conditions. Leeward implies a direction away from the wind, usually calmer.
In windward areas, vegetation is often lush due to higher moisture. Leeward regions may have sparse vegetation due to lower precipitation.
Windward sides of islands are cooler and wetter, attracting certain wildlife and ecosystems. Leeward sides are warmer and drier, creating different ecological conditions.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Facing towards the wind
Sheltered from the wind
Climate Conditions
Cooler, wetter
Warmer, drier
Vegetation
Lush, more abundant
Sparse, adapted to dryness
Use in Sailing
Direction into the wind
Direction away from the wind
Geographical Impact
More rainfall, erosion possible
Less rainfall, often leeside dry
Compare with Definitions
Windward
The direction from which the wind is coming.
The boat sailed against the windward current.
Leeward
The direction towards which the wind is blowing.
The ship drifted leeward with the prevailing winds.
Windward
The point or side from which the wind blows.
They set up camp on the windward side of the hill.
Leeward
The point or side opposite from where the wind blows.
The vegetation was sparse on the leeward side of the island.
Windward
Facing the wind or on the side facing the wind.
The windward side of the island was lush and green.
Leeward
The side of a ship away from the wind.
The sailors moved to the leeward side for safety.
Windward
Exposed to the wind.
The windward slope of the mountain was cooler.
Leeward
Protected or not exposed to the wind.
They chose the leeward side of the building for the event.
Windward
Facing the wind or on the side facing the wind
The windward side of the boat
Leeward
Sheltered from the wind or on the side away from the wind.
The leeward side of the mountain was warmer and drier.
Windward
Facing the wind or on the side facing the wind
The windward side of the boat
Leeward
On or towards the side sheltered from the wind; downwind
We pitched our tents leeward of a hill
The leeward side of the house
Windward
The side or direction from which the wind is blowing
He had beaten to windward across St Austell Bay
Leeward
On or towards the side sheltered from the wind; downwind
We pitched our tents leeward of a hill
The leeward side of the house
Windward
On or toward the side from which the wind is blowing.
Leeward
The side sheltered or away from the wind
The ship was drifting to leeward
Windward
The windward side or quarter.
Leeward
On or toward the side to which the wind is blowing.
Windward
Towards the wind, or the direction from which the wind is blowing.
The windward boat must give way to the leeward boat.
Leeward
The lee side or quarter.
Windward
On the side exposed to the wind.
The windward bedroom.
Leeward
On the side sheltered from the wind; in that direction.
Windward
In a direction from which the wind blows, against or towards the wind.
We beat our way windward.
Leeward
Away from the direction from which the wind is blowing; downwind.
Windward
The direction from which the wind blows.
Leeward
Pertaining to, or in the direction of, the part or side toward which the wind blows; - opposed to windward; as, a leeward berth; a leeward ship.
Windward
The side receiving the wind's force.
Leeward
The direction in which the wind is blowing
Windward
The point or side from which the wind blows; as, to ply to the windward; - opposed to leeward.
Leeward
The side of something that is sheltered from the wind
Windward
Situated toward the point from which the wind blows; as, the Windward Islands.
Leeward
On the side away from the wind;
On the leeward side of the island
Windward
Toward the wind; in the direction from which the wind blows.
Leeward
Toward the wind;
They were sailing leeward
Windward
The direction from which the wind is coming
Windward
On the side exposed to the wind;
The windward islands
Windward
Away from the wind;
They were sailing windward
Windward
The side of a ship that is towards the wind.
The captain steered the ship to its windward position.
Common Curiosities
Why is the windward side of a mountain wetter?
Due to rising, cooling, and condensing air, bringing more rain.
What does windward mean?
Windward refers to the side facing or exposed to the wind.
Does wind direction affect windward and leeward?
Yes, the side considered windward or leeward changes with wind direction.
Is leeward synonymous with downwind?
Yes, both terms indicate the direction the wind is blowing towards.
Can leeward areas be habitable?
Yes, though they may be drier and warmer than windward areas.
Why are leeward sides often used for shelter?
They provide protection from wind and potentially harsh weather.
What is the leeward side?
The leeward side is the side sheltered or away from the wind.
Do windward and leeward apply to islands only?
No, they apply to any geographical feature or object relative to wind.
What’s the importance of windward in sailing?
It indicates sailing into the wind, affecting navigation and strategy.
Is vegetation always lush on the windward side?
Generally yes, but it can vary based on overall climate and geography.
Are leeward coasts always dry?
Often, but not always; local conditions can modify the effect.
Can windward and leeward sides have different ecosystems?
Yes, due to variations in climate and moisture.
Do windward sides face erosion risks?
They can, due to stronger winds and potentially heavier rainfall.
Are windward areas cooler?
Typically, due to higher moisture and elevation effects.
How do windward and leeward affect temperature?
Windward areas are usually cooler, while leeward areas tend to be warmer.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
