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How to Properly Use The Word “Zephyr” In A Sentence

How to Properly Use The Word “Zephyr” In A Sentence

The English language is quite complex, and there are lots of words that you probably didn’t even know existed. One of those words is “zephyr.” So let’s explore the meaning of this word and exactly how you go about using it in a sentence.

The definition of the word zephyr is “a  breeze from the west” or “a gentle breeze.” One of the ways that the word can be used is for example, Zephyr, the West Wind, blew away the clouds so that Apollo, the sun god, could shine and made this flower bloom.”

Definition of the Word Zephyr

The word Zephyr is, in fact, a noun meaning a gentle breeze. It’s also considered a fine, lightweight wind, or soft cloth or garment. Ultimately, though, the definition of Zephyr is a soft breeze, a lightweight piece of clothing, and is often used to reference the West Wind.

In some instances, the definition of the words Zephyr is a light wind from the west, a lightweight yarn, a gentle breeze, or any soft, fine, or light quality fabric.

In Greek mythology, the word Zephyr is a pronoun meaning the god of the west wind or the west wind personified.

zephyr word in dictionary

Origins of The Word Zephyr

Zephyr was recognized and worshipped as the god of the West wind. This was considered the gentlest wind, especially in comparison to the Northwind, which was much colder and called Boreas. The warm Westwind usually brought the spring season. Consequently, even to this day, the name of the god means warm and gentle wind.

Zephyr was also the father of two immortal horses, Balius and Xanthus. Their mother was the Harpy Podarge. Harpies were considered greedy and terrifying monsters with the head and trunk of a woman and the wings, legs, tail, and talons of a gigantic bird.

Zephyr was attracted to the Harpy Podarge while she was grazing beside the ocean after having transformed into a gorgeous and young female horse. The gods gave the two horses as a wedding present to Peleus, the father of Achille, the famous hero. Balis and Xanhs became loyal companions of Archilles, often helping him in many battles.

How to Use the word Zephyr in a Sentence

The words Zephyr is used to define light or delicate wind. So let’s take a look at examples of how to use Zephyr in a sentence:

  • Before Amy went to bed, she opened the window so she could feel the Zephyr as she fell asleep.
  • By evening, the harsh wind after the storm had turned into a zephyr that did little more than shift the leaves.
  • The Zephyr did not do much to cool us off as we sat on the warm bench.
  • The ceiling fan produced a zephyr that had everyone feeling comfortable on this hot day.
  • With only a zephyr in the air, it is not rocket science we came in last in the sailboat race.
  • The Zephyr brought the scent of the fresh-smelling flowers to Sarah’s nose.
  • As I sat in the courtyard, I enjoyed the sensation of the Zephyr as it brushed over my face.
  • When the heavy winds turned to a zephyr, I knew the conditions were ideal for a picnic.
  • During the summer holidays, there was not even a zephyr in the air to cool down the temperature.
  • While we were expecting fierce and aggressive winds, the hurricane dissipated into nothing more than the smallest Zephyr.

Examples of the Word “Zephyr” Used in Sentences

  • Anything less than a wind of 20 miles per hour is referred to as nothing more than a gentle zephyr.
  • Jennifer’s crimson leaves oscillated from the gentle zephyr that crossed her path.
  • This may be my final broadcast beloved listeners, the last time you hear my calming words and sagacious advice meandering out of your radio speakers like a summer zephyr
  • South-western zephyr, far from oceans here, whispers lazily of warm Gulf Stream sunfish.
  • Crickets were chirping, a mild zephyr was gently blowing the tree branches, and everything was serene.
  • It resonates layer upon layer of flavor and aroma, from summertime zephyr at the top of the register to a myrrhic basso profundo.
  • And zephyr Teachout is going to be a major part of it, too.
  • Leaves danced around their feet, swirling in the soft zephyr.
  • Meanwhile, in a closely watched contest in Miami, Jessica Hayes easily defeated charming law professor zephyr Teachout.
  • All Zephyr had to do to quiet him was tap him gently on the arm, and he cried out in pain.
  • Mentored by his mother, this son, Zephyr, became a painter of interiors and portraits among other masterpieces.
  • Like the calla lily, the zephyr lily craves moist, fast-draining soil.
  • Reefer does not rhyme with ‘deafer’, Feoffer does, and zephyr, heifer.
  • The breeze steadied as the rain slowed down, and Zephyr continued a single route to the finish line.
  •  Zephyr sighed and took some of the food, and began nibbling on it.
  • Between 1921 and 1942 the Consul was the stablemate of the bigger Ford Zephyr.
  • I removed the tin foil from the sandwich as Zephyr stared with hunger at it.
  • Undisturbed patches on the way to Durban and Johannesburg drew the crew together before three pulled away from Kiffs and Zephyr in the lumpy waters of Botswana bay.
  • Lines from Capetown Station include the Capitol Corridor, San Joaquin, California Zephyr, and Coast Starlight.
  • Scholar-activists John Legend and Zephyr Teachout have recently been working to revive it.

wind whirl in the clouds

Examples from Classical Literature

  • Measure the bedspread and cut four pieces of cotton or zephyr in exactly the same measurements.
  • From the zephyr to the castle, the whole scale is still rightfully at his command.
  • This first painting reduces the roll to about the thickness of zephyr yarn.
  • Here no zephyr of the sea Wipes the tears from skies that fill.
  • Euroclydon, nevertheless, is a mighty pleasant zephyr to any one in-doors, with his feet on the hob quietly toasting for bed.
  • A zephyr or possibly even a bird had placed the seed in this rock-abundant prison.
  • Then the wind blew in an unusual fashion and simmered down to a zephyr.
  • A delicious zephyr played along the coasts of the Indian ocean, and drifted from shore to shore the sweet-smelling perfume of plants, mixed with the salty smell of the sea.
  • Mounted upon Zephyr and galette, the captain and the count scoured the island in search of a hideout.
  • Use 2-fold Shetland zephyr, or any similar yarn of moderate twist.
  • The Zephyr was rapidly approaching the Sylph, as the sailboat was called.
  • He clutched Zephyr by the mane and succeeded in recovering his seat.
  • Love is favorable to me, and ’tis for his sake that Aeolus has placed Zephyr under my command.
  • I will bind up your poor little leg, and Zephyr shall rock you to sleep.

The Difference Between Zephyr and Wind

If you’re wondering what the difference between the word “zephyr” and “wind” is, then keep reading.

While zephyr and wind are both nouns, the difference between zephyr and wind is that zephyr is actually a light wind from the West while “wind” is a perceived or real movement of atmospheric air normally caused by convection or differences in air pressure.

Wind can also be the act of winding or turning, a bend, a turn, or twist.

As a verb, wind is to blow air through a horn or wind instrument to make a sound. “Wind” can also be to turn a cord or coils around an object. You may also wind up or wind down your car window. So the word wind is quite interesting to say the least.

Synonyms of the Word Zephyr

Air, blast, cyclone, gale, breeze, gust, blow, breath, draft, draught, chinook, flurry, flutter, mistral, typhoon, wafting, tempest, whiff, whirlwind, sigh, whisk, flatus, faint breeze, waft

Quotation

“Fair laughs the morn, and soft the zephyr blows, While proudly riding o’er the azure realm In gallant trim the gilded vessel goes; Youth on the prow, and Pleasure at the helm; Regardless of the sweeping whirlwind’s sway, That, hushed in grim repose, expects his evening prey.”

Thomas Gray

flower blown by wind

Conclusion

So as you can see, the word zephyr is not a common or popular word in this day and age. In fact, lots of people don’t even know it exists. However, this noun can be used in various ways to describe the wind, air,  breeze, etc. It is also used to describe a soft or light type of material or fabric. Over time as you become more familiar with using this word, you can start placing it in your written or spoken sentences. It would be a nice and refreshing change from using the word wind or breeze repetitively. So, why not impress your friends by showing them your new-found vocabulary and wow them away.