Definition

Having skin that is red and sore due to exposure to cold wind.

Example

After spending the day hiking in the mountains, I noticed my face was windburnt from the chilly breeze.

Conversation

Wow, you look a bit windburnt after your hike yesterday!

Yeah, the weather was really harsh up there.

You should've used some sunscreen to avoid getting windburnt.

I know, right? Lesson learned for next time!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Windburnt → It is formed from "wind" (from Old English "wind", meaning moving air) and "burnt" (the past participle of "burn", from Old English "byrnian", meaning to be consumed by fire or heat). The word "windburnt" describes skin that has been damaged or irritated by the effects of wind, often resulting in redness or soreness.

Memory Tip

Think of the 'moving air' ('wind') causing skin to be 'damaged' ('burnt') — that's why windburnt refers to skin affected by the wind.

Visually Confused Words