windmill
UK: ˈwɪndmɪl | US: ˈwɪndmɪl
n. a structure with sails or vanes that rotate in the wind, used to generate power or grind grain
n. (figurative) a futile or repetitive activity
The word "windmill" is a transparent compound of "wind" (Old English wind, from Proto-Germanic windaz) and "mill" (Old English mylen, from Latin molina, meaning "grinding apparatus"). The term emerged in Middle English (windmylne) to describe machines harnessing wind energy to power grinding mechanisms. Over time, it expanded metaphorically to describe repetitive or ineffective actions.
The old windmill creaked as its sails turned in the breeze.
Farmers used windmills to grind wheat into flour for centuries.
Debating with him is like fighting a windmill—it never leads anywhere.
Modern windmills generate electricity rather than grind grain.
The countryside was dotted with picturesque windmills.