Zephyr

Sunday, June 22, 2025
Word of the Day

What is Zephyr?

noun
A soft, gentle breeze; a light, airy fabric.

Pronunciation

US pronunciation: /ˈzɛf.ər/
UK pronunciation: /ˈzɛf.ə/
Slow pronunciation: ZEH-fer

Meaning Explained

Zephyr is the classic summer breeze—cool, westward, and faintly mythic.

Why This Word?

Chosen for evening winds that temper heat waves.

Examples of Use

Here's how this word appears in everyday language:

  • Cyclists waited for a cooling zephyr at dusk.
  • She wore a zephyr-weight shawl.
  • The scent traveled on a faint zephyr.

Word Origins

Greek Zephyros "the west wind," a mild wind in myth

By extension, any light breeze or gossamer cloth.

First appearance in English: early 17th century

Word Family

Related forms of this word:

  • Noun: breeze

    A light breeze stirred the reeds.

  • Noun: waft

    A waft of jasmine crossed the porch.

  • Adjective: airy

    An airy weave suits summer.

Around the World

How this word appears in other languages:

  • Spanish: céfiro / brisa suave
  • French: zéphyr
  • German: Zephir / sanfter Westwind
  • Italian: zefiro
  • Portuguese: zéfiro / brisa

If you Already Know This Word

If you've mastered this word, try these more advanced alternatives:

Boreal

North wind; zephyr is the west wind/gentle.

Sirocco

Hot, dusty wind; zephyr is cool and mild.

Ventus

Generic Latin for wind; zephyr is specific.

Fun Facts

  • In sailing lore, a zephyr barely fills the sails.
  • Some fabrics were marketed as "zephyr" for cool wear.

Cultural Usage

  • Zephyrus personifies the gentle west wind.
  • Composers title interludes "Zephyr" for airy textures.

Common Mistakes

Not "cipher"; different word entirely.

Micro Story

A zephyr rippled the lake and the linen curtains.