Definition

A strong and sudden gust of wind, often cold, that can occur near mountainous coastal areas.

Example

The williwaw caught the sailors off guard as they navigated the narrow strait.

Conversation

Did you feel that sudden gust of wind earlier?

Yeah, it was like a small williwaw came out of nowhere!

I thought it was just me imagining things, but it was pretty strong.

Definitely, those can be really surprising when they hit.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Williwaw originates from the Tasmanian Aboriginal word 'williwaw', meaning a sudden violent wind or squall. It describes a specific meteorological phenomenon characterized by strong, gusty winds, particularly in coastal areas.

Memory Tip

Imagine a sudden, fierce wind that surprises you — that's what 'williwaw' refers to, coming from the Aboriginal word for this intense weather.

Visually Confused Words