zephyr
UK: ˈzɛfə | US: ˈzɛfər
n. a gentle, mild breeze (often referring to the west wind in classical mythology)
n. (poetic/literary) any soft, light wind
The word "zephyr" traces back to the Greek zephyros, meaning "the west wind." In Greek mythology, Zephyrus was the god of the west wind, associated with spring and gentle breezes. The term was adopted into Latin as zephyrus and later into Old French (zephire) before entering English in the late Middle Ages. Unlike many loanwords, "zephyr" retained its original spelling and mythological connotations, evolving into a poetic term for any soft wind.
The zephyr rustled the leaves of the willow tree.
She loved the cool zephyr that blew in from the sea at dusk.
Ancient sailors prayed for a zephyr to guide their ships westward.
The poem described spring as "the season of zephyrs and blossoms."
A faint zephyr carried the scent of lavender across the meadow.