The Past Tense of Wind: Here’s What It Is and How to Use It

If you have ever been curious about the correct past tense of wind was? This article will clear that up plus give you a look into the history of the word, the definition, and everything else you could want to learn about the word.

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What is the Definition of the Word Wind?

The word wind is defined by the english dictionary as:

  • a natural movement of air of any velocity
    • especially: the earth’s air or the gas surrounding a planet in natural motion horizontally
  • an artificially produced movement of air
  • SOLAR WIND, STELLAR WIND
  • a force or agency that carries along or influences: TENDENCY, TREND
  • withstood the winds of popular opinion — Felix Frankfurter
  • a destructive force or influence
  • The gas generated in the stomach or the intestines 
    • pass wind

The word wind has several different meanings, is used in many different contexts, has been felt by everyone, and seen by no one. No one can see the wind, but one can only see the effects of the wind. It is a powerful force of nature, and yet can be the perfect ingredient to a perfect summer day. 

How do you Conjugate Wind?

Here are the other conjugations of the word wind:

Base Form (Infinitive) wind 
Past Simple wounds
Past Participle wounds
3rd Person Singular winds
Present Participle/ Present Tensewinding
Future tensewind

The History and Origin of the Word

The word wind is an Old English language word derived from the Proto- Germanic word winda from the PIE root went-o and the suffix root form we meaning to blow. In the 13th century it represented emptiness and vanity. Then in the 14th century it was known as “breathe.” Each century has brought on new meanings of the word and new phrases such as:

  • Winds- wind instruments in an orchestra. (1876)
  • Which way the wind blows- meaning a current state of affairs ( c. 1400) 
  • To get wind of- to receive information about (1809) 
  • To take the wind out of one’s sails- a figurative saying from sailing where a ship without wind can make no progress (1883) 
  • Wind chill index- how cold the wind makes it feel despite the temperature reading (1939)
  • Wind energy- where the wind is harnessed and used in the production of electricity (1976)

Synonyms for Wind

  • Current- noticeable movement of air in a particular direction 
    • curtains that were being lightly lifted by a fresh current from the open window
  • Draft- noticeable movement of air in a particular direction 
    • do you feel a draft from beneath the door?
  • Blast- a sudden brief rush of wind 
    • a surprise blast stole the umbrella right out of his hands
  • Gale- a sudden intense expression of strong feeling 
    • the audience responded to the comedian’s joke with gales of laughter
  • Gust- a sudden brief rush of wind 
    • a gust tore her umbrella from her grip and blew it down the street
  • Headwind- an air movement that is blowing toward something (such as a ship or an airplane) as it moves forward 
    • Stiff headwinds caused the flight to take longer than expected.
  • Breeze- a slight or gentle movement of air 
    • a warm spring breeze ruffled our hair
  • Breath- a slight or gentle movement of air 
    • a sweet breath caressed her cheek as she sat in the garden

Example Sentences With the Word Wind

English Verb forms of the verb wind

  • Climbing the long flight of stairs winded him.
  • The trail winds through the trees.
  • The machine winds thread on a spool.
  • Wind your arm with a bandage.
  • I wound up teaching american english grammar to children wanting to learn english. 
  • I am winding my watch.
  • Let’s wind up the meeting.
  • How did we wind up back here?

Noun forms of the noun wind

  • Falling down knocked the wind out of me.
  • They got wind of our plans.
  • I caught wind of her saying her asking if she uses the pronoun he/she.

Examples of the Word in Context

  • New coach Joe Judge showed his lighter side and rolled in the mud as the New York Giants’ training camp started to wind down with the team opener less than two weeks away. – USA Today 
  • Hurricane Laura pounded the Gulf Coast with ferocious wind and torrential rain as the Category 4 storm roared ashore Thursday in Louisiana near the Texas border. In Cameron Parish, homes were damaged, trees uprooted and power lines downed. (Aug. 27) – USA Today 
  • Nearly a quarter-million people are under evacuation orders and warnings as weather forecasts signaled the looming threat of more lightning with hot temperatures and unpredictable winds. And all of the state’s residents should still be ready and on high alert, officials said.- USA Today
  • A derecho – a dangerous, ferocious wall of wind – lashed through the Midwest on Monday, flipping cars, downing trees and knocking out power for thousands. – USA Today 
  • Best known for her role as sweet-natured Melanie Hamilton in “Gone With the Wind,” the two-time Oscar winner (for 1946’s “To Each His Own” and 1949’s “The Heiress”) will be remembered most for her beautiful diction, an air of refinement and gumption and grace on and off camera. Outspoken and steely in real life, de Havilland starred in more than 50 films on the big and small screen from 1935 to 1988 and was a staunch advocate for actors’ rights and creative freedom in Hollywood. – USA Today 

Summary

Next time you need to write the word wind, you will be well prepared for everything you need to know what it is and how to use it efficiently. You should feel confident with the different conjugations, the history of the word, and the definition.

Sources:

  1. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wind
  2. https://www.usingenglish.com/reference/irregular-verbs/wind.html
  3. https://www.etymonline.com/word/wind
  4. https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2020/09/01/joe-judge-and-giants-have-fun-as-training-camp-winds-down/42369345/
  5. https://www.usatoday.com/videos/news/nation/2020/08/27/laura-blasts-gulf-coast-wind-damages-homes/5644343002/
  6. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/08/24/california-fires-lnu-scu-czu-could-grow-lightning-storms-wind/3428126001/
  7. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/08/10/derecho-headed-chicago-after-lashing-iowa-99-mph-winds/3337784001/
  8. https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2020/07/26/olivia-de-havilland-gone-with-the-wind-dies-at-104/975380001/