weather vane

A 'weather vane' is a device used to show the direction of the wind, commonly found on rooftops or weather stations.

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Definition

(technical, common)A device, usually shaped like an arrow or figure, mounted on a rotating axis to indicate wind direction.

The weather vane on the barn pointed north, indicating the wind was coming from the south.
Weather vanes are often seen on church steeples and farm buildings.

(informal)A person or entity that changes opinions or actions to align with current trends or circumstances.

He's such a weather vane, always shifting his stance based on popular opinion.
The politician was criticized for being a weather vane, swaying with public sentiment rather than holding firm beliefs.

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "weather vane":