trade wind

noun

: a wind blowing almost constantly in one direction
especially : a wind blowing almost continually toward the equator from the northeast in the belt between the northern horse latitudes and the doldrums and from the southeast in the belt between the southern horse latitudes and the doldrums
—usually used in plural

Examples of trade wind in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The strength of the trade winds, the depth of the dry air layer, and surrounding weather patterns all determine how far and how concentrated the plume remains. — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 29 June 2026 That pocket of warm water then drifts eastward, weakening tropical trade winds, which has a domino-like effect on weather patterns throughout the world. — Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 3 June 2026 During El Niño, trade winds weaken and warm water is pushed toward the west coast of North and South America. — Hali Smith june 17, Idaho Statesman, 17 June 2026 Antigua sits at the eastern edge of the Caribbean arc, the first significant landfall on the east to west trade wind crossing from Europe or West Africa. — Duncan Madden, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for trade wind

Word History

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of trade wind was in 1615

Rhymes for trade wind

See All Rhymes for trade wind

Browse Nearby Words

trade waste
trade wind
trading area
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Cite this Entry

“Trade wind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trade%20wind. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

trade wind

noun
: a wind blowing almost constantly toward the equator from an easterly direction

More from Merriam-Webster on trade wind

Nglish: Translation of trade wind for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about trade wind

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