windfall
UK: ˈwɪndfɔːl | US: ˈwɪndfɔːl
n. an unexpected gain or piece of good fortune
n. fruit blown down from a tree by the wind
n. (historical) a legal term for timber or fruit naturally fallen from trees
The word "windfall" originated in Middle English (circa 15th century), combining "wind" (Old English wind, from Proto-Germanic windaz) and "fall" (Old English feallan, meaning "to drop"). Initially, it referred literally to fruit or branches knocked down by the wind—a natural event that provided unexpected bounty. By the 17th century, it evolved metaphorically to describe any sudden, unearned benefit, reflecting the serendipitous nature of wind-blown harvests. The term’s legal usage (e.g., rights to fallen timber) further cemented its association with chance gains.
The inheritance was a windfall that allowed her to start her own business.
After the storm, we gathered windfall apples from the orchard.
The tax rebate felt like a financial windfall.
In medieval law, windfall timber belonged to the landowner.
The lottery win was an extraordinary windfall for the struggling family.