zephyr, n.

zephyr
http://www.oed.com/dictionary/zephyr_n%3Ftab%3Dmeaning_and_use
Revised 2018

# zephyrnoun

## Earlier version

- zephyr, n. in OED Second Edition (1989)

## In other dictionaries

- Zephirus, n. in Middle English Dictionary

## Factsheet

### What does the noun zephyr mean?

There are seven meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun zephyr. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

zephyr has developed meanings and uses in subjects including

classical mythology (Old English) weather (Old English) costume (late 1700s) dressmaking (1810s) textiles (1810s) military (1840s) food and cooking (1860s)

### How common is the noun zephyr?

About 0.1occurrences per million words in modern written English

1750 | 0.39
1760 | 0.51
1770 | 0.67
1780 | 0.88
1790 | 0.98
1800 | 1.1
1810 | 1.1
1820 | 0.99
1830 | 0.92
1840 | 0.89
1850 | 0.84
1860 | 0.81
1870 | 0.76
1880 | 0.69
1890 | 0.63
1900 | 0.56
1910 | 0.48
1920 | 0.39
1930 | 0.31
1940 | 0.25
1950 | 0.2
1960 | 0.16
1970 | 0.13
1980 | 0.12
1990 | 0.11
2000 | 0.11
2010 | 0.12

### How is the noun zephyr pronounced?

#### British English

/ˈzɛfə/
ZEFF-uh

#### U.S. English

/ˈzɛfər/
ZEFF-uhr

### Where does the noun zephyr come from?

Earliest known use

Old English

The earliest known use of the noun zephyr is in the Old English period (pre-1150).

zephyr is a borrowing from Latin.

Etymons: Latin Zephyrus.

### Nearby entries

1. zeolite, n. 1770–
2. zeolitic, adj. 1782–
3. zeolitical, adj. 1788–
4. zeolitically, adv. 1926–
5. zeolitiform, adj. 1788–
6. zeolitization, n. 1879–
7. zeolitize, v. 1881–
8. zeolitized, adj. 1888–
9. Zephiran, n. 1935–
10. Zéphirine Drouhin, n. 1901–
11. zephyr, n.Old English–
12. zephyr, v. 1829–
13. zephyranth, n. 1845–
14. zephyranthes, n. 1821–
15. zephyrean, adj. 1793–
16. zephyret, n. 1777–1881
17. zephyr flower, n.?1829–
18. zephyr-gale, n. 1596–1901
19. zephyrian, adj. 1661–
20. zephyrine, adj. & n. 1819–
21. zephyring, adj. 1821–

## Etymology

### Summary

A borrowing from Latin.
Etymon: Latin Zephyrus.
< classical Latin Zephyrus west wind < ancient Greek Ζέϕυρος any westerly wind, due west wind, of uncertain origin; perhaps related to ζόϕος dark, west, although this poses formal problems…
< classical Latin Zephyrus west wind < ancient Greek Ζέϕυρος any westerly wind, due west wind, of uncertain origin; perhaps related to ζόϕος dark, west, although this poses formal problems.

### Notes

Compare Anglo-Norman and Old French, Middle French zephirus, Middle French zepherus (early 13th cent.). With the β forms compare Middle French zephire, zephyre (late 14th cent.; French zéphyr, zéphire), Spanish céfiro (15th cent. as zefiro, zephiro), Portuguese zéfiro (a1580 as zephyro), Italian zefiro (beginning of the 14th cent.; late 13th cent. as zeffiro), and also Dutch zefier (1553), Middle High German zephirus (German Zephyr, †Zephir).
Specific senses
With sense 1b compare Middle French zephire, zephyre, French zéphyr, in same sense (1515).
With sense 2b compare French zéphyr, zéphir (1824 or earlier, frequently attributively in drap zéphyr).
With sense 3 compare scientific Latin zephyrus, specific name (1870).
In sense 4 after French (now hist.) zéphir, zéphyr (1843 in this sense; 1831 in plural Zéphirs as the name of one of the three French battalions of light infantry which were made up of North African soldiers).

## Meaning & use

1. 1. 1.a.
      Old English–
      The west wind, frequently personified; (Greek Mythology) the god of the west wind. Cf. Favonius n.
      In quot. a1398 at α: the west-south-west wind.
      α forms
      1. OE

         > Nis zefferus, se swifta wind, þæt swa fromlice mæg feran æghwær.

         Riddle 40 68
      2. (a1398)

         > Fauonius, þe westerne wynde..haþ bysides hym tweye wyndes. Þe on hatte Circius, þe west northwest wynde, þe oþir hatte Zephirus, þe west souþwest wynde.

         J. Trevisa, translation of Bartholomaeus Anglicus, De Proprietatibus Rerum (British Library Add. MS. 27944) (1975) vol. I. xi. iii. 574
         [Composed a1398]
      3. c1400 (?c1380)

         > Syþen he..sayez vnte Zeferus þat he syfle warme.

         Patience l. 470 (Middle English Dictionary)
         [Composed ?c1380]
      4. c1405–95 (c1387–95)

         > Zephirus..wt his sweete breeth.

         G. Chaucer, Canterbury Tales Prologue (Hengwrt MS.) (2003) l. 5
         [Composed c1387–95]
      5. 1523

         > There blew in that gardynge a soft piplyng colde Enbrethyng of zepherus wt his pleasant wynde.

         J. Skelton, Goodly Garlande of Laurell sig. C.ijv
      6. 1594

         > Zephyrus sweete smelling blast.

         1st Part of Raigne of Selimus (ad fin.)
      7. c1616

         > Art thou perhaps that purest breathing aire, Sweet Zephirus?

         R. C., Certaine Poems in Times' Whistle (1871) 116
      8. 1667

         > With voice Milde, as when Zephyrus on Flora breathes.

         J. Milton, Paradise Lost v. 16
      9. 1712

         > The Zephyrus, the West-Wind, blows from Thracia.

         J. Ozell, translation of A. Dacier, Life of Homer 18 in translation of Homer, Iliad vol. I
      10. 1774

          > Zephyrus, or the West Wind.

          Ambulator 65
      11. 1821

          > Her marriage with the gentle Zephyrus must have singularly promoted the welfare of her delicate subjects.

          New Monthly Magazine vol. 2 393
      12. 1898

          > Like a gossamer puffed by summer Zephyrus.

          G. Meredith, Letters (1912) vol. II. 498
      13. 1937

          > Is Zephyrus more light on the bough, Apeliota more light on the almond branch?

          E. Pound, Fifth Decad of Cantos xlvii. 38
      14. 2014

          > Blow sweet Zephyrus, usher in spring.

          Gloucestershire Echo (Nexis) 19 April 11
      β forms
      1. 1567

         > Breathing from the mouth of Zephire the ayre of health.

         G. Fenton, translation of M. Bandello, Certaine Tragicall Discourses f. 226v
      2. 1583

         > The setting of the Sun, and shutting in of nighte, belong to Zephyr.

         B. Melbancke, Philotimus (new edition) sig. Zivv
      3. 1594

         > Sweet Myrh-breathing Zephyre.

         M. Drayton, Ideas Mirrour sig. C3
      4. 1598

         > When the hollow floode of ayre in Zephyres cheeks doth swel.

         G. Chapman, translation of Homer, Seauen Bookes of Iliades vii. 120
      5. 1645

         > Zephir with Aurora playing, As he met her once a Maying.

         J. Milton, L'Allegro in Poems 31
      6. 1750

         > Regions in which no wind is heard but the gentle Zephyr.

         S. Johnson, Rambler No. 80. ⁋3
      7. 1823

         > Words more soft than Zephyr.

         ‘B. Cornwall’, Flood of Thessaly i. 89
      8. 1920

         > Fevered brows of prisoners forlorn,..stirring 'neath sweet Zephyr's soft caress.

         J. Farnol, Geste of Duke Jocelyn vi. 109
      9. 1998

         > On rare occasion, the wind god, Zephyr, smiles upon me.

         St. Louis (Missouri) Post-Dispatch (Nexis) 21 May 13
      classical mythology weather
      1. zephyr Old English–
         The west wind, frequently personified; (Greek Mythology) the god of the west wind. Cf. Favonius, n.
      View in Historical Thesaurus
      1. zephyr Old English–
         The west wind, frequently personified; (Greek Mythology) the god of the west wind. Cf. Favonius, n.
      2. wind god 1594–
         A god who presides over the winds; a god taking the form of a wind.
      3. rain god 1838–
         A god associated with bringing rain.
      4. thunder god 1841–
         The god of thunder; a deity supposed to rule or control the thunder, as Jove in the Roman, or Thor in the Norse mythology.
      5. rain-goddess 1854–
         A goddess associated with bringing rain.
      6. storm-goddess 1869–
      7. storm power 1869–
         = storm-god, n.
      8. storm-god 1877–
         A deity supposed to rule the storms.
      9. bolt-bearer 1883–
      10. weather-god 1905–
          A god who presides over the weather.
      View in Historical Thesaurus
      1. west wind Old English–
         A wind blowing from the west.
      2. zephyr Old English–
         The west wind, frequently personified; (Greek Mythology) the god of the west wind. Cf. Favonius, n.
      3. west c1400–
         Chiefly poetic. Usually with the. The west wind. Now rare.
      4. Favonius c1550–
         The west wind, Zephyr.
      5. wester 1849–
         A wind blowing from the west; = westerly, n.
      View in Historical Thesaurus
   2. 1.b.
      1567–
      A gentle, mild wind or breeze.
      1. 1567

         > The straungers passinge by, imparting of the ayre and wholsomnes of the place by the breathe of a milde zephir, are drawen thether by delite.

         G. Fenton, translation of M. Bandello, Certaine Tragicall Discourses f. 125
      2. a1616

         > They are as gentle As Zephires blowing below the Violet, Not wagging his sweet head.

         W. Shakespeare, Cymbeline (1623) iv. ii. 173
      3. 1683

         > The pure thin sweet Vapours of the Air (which are the Refreshing Zephiri of Nature).

         T. Tryon, Way to Health 47
      4. 1718

         > While gentle Zephyrs play in prosp'rous Gales.

         M. Prior, Henry & Emma 389
      5. 1764

         > No Zephyr fondly sooths the mountain's breast.

         O. Goldsmith, Traveller 10
      6. 1807

         > The flowers, the zephyrs, and the warblers of spring, returning after their tedious absence.

         Salmagundi 2 June 219
      7. 1883

         > The zephyrs breathed softly from the south.

         M. B. Betham-Edwards, Disarmed x
      8. 1927

         > Unmistakably the gentle zephyr of a few minutes ago has become a breeze.

         Motor Boating January 110/2
      9. 1956

         > He set up a fan to blow over the wet hay and..cool zephyrs flitted through his hot barn.

         Boys' Life August 4/3
      10. 2002

          > Neptune..lulls us into complacency with placid waters and warm zephyrs, then commissions a cold front or hurricane to muddle the mix.

          Yachting February 38/1
      weather
      1. aura a1398–
         A gentle breeze, a zephyr.
      2. breath c1400–
         A gentle breeze; a light movement of the air; a puff. Now chiefly in a breath of wind or a breath of air.
      3. air 1535–
         Air in motion; a current or draught of air; (esp. in the context of sailing) a breeze, a light wind.
      4. gentle gale 1567–
         A moderate wind; spec. a wind of a specified force (see quot. 1867).
      5. zephyr 1567–
         A gentle, mild wind or breeze.
      6. spring wind 1592–
         A wind occurring in the spring, esp. one that is warm, soft, or fresh.
      7. zephyr-gale 1596–1901
         A zephyr; a west wind; a gentle breeze; cf. gale, n.³ 1b.
      8. pirrie a1614–
         Scottish. A gentle breeze; a light wind; = pirr, n.¹ Frequently with of.
      9. breeze 1626–
         A gentle or light wind: a breeze is generally understood to be a lighter current of air than a wind, as a wind is lighter than a gale. ‘Among…
      10. gentle breeze 1635–
          A light wind; Meteorology a wind of force 3 on the Beaufort scale (7–10 knots or 12–19 mph).
      11. pirr a1722–
          Scottish. A gentle breeze; a light wind. Frequently with of. Also in figurative context.
      12. gale 1728–
          poetic and in rhetorical language often used for: A gentle breeze.
      13. zephyret 1777–1881
          A gentle zephyr; a light breeze. Also in extended use.
      14. lady's wind 1886–
          A gentle breeze.
      15. spill 1899–
          Nautical. A slight breeze.
      View in Historical Thesaurus
2. 1. 2.a.
      1774–
      Any of various lightweight or thin articles of clothing or accessories, such as a light shawl, scarf, or coat; (in later use) spec. a light shirt worn by a sportsperson.
      1. 1774

         > Negligees of pale lutestring,..with tassels and zephyrs in fancy, or of muslin.

         Westminster Magazine May 259/1
      2. 1821

         > Just received from New-York—20 dozen elegant French Scarfs (or Zephyrs,) elegant patterns, which are going for the low price of $1 each.

         Boston Daily Advertiser 22 May 2/5 (advertisement)
      3. 1830

         > Some wear little square shawls of soft crape, called zephyrs.

         Lady's Magazine 31 May 284/2
      4. 1843

         > He was dressed in a coat called a Zephyr.

         E. Fitzgerald, Letter (1980) vol. I. 385
      5. 1887

         > When the athlete has got a pair of the best shoes, a zephyr, and a pair of silk or merino drawers,..he has got all the stock-in-trade required to win half-a-dozen championships.

         M. Shearman, Athletics & Football (Badminton Libr. of Sports & Pastimes) 68
      6. 1891

         > He sat upon the sofa, where my hat, My wanton Zephyr, rested on its rim.

         R. F. Murray, Scarlet Gown 6
      7. 1927

         > [Ozarks] Zephyr,..a woman's wrap. Usually a knitted or crocheted diamond-shaped thing worn over the head and shoulders.

         Dialect Notes vol. 5 479
      8. 1987

         > We wore black gym-shoes, rugger zephyrs and trousers.

         R. Fiennes, Living Dangerously iii. 27
      9. 2012

         > She gave an interview to the fashion magazine Harper's Bazaar..while posing slinkily in a zephyr of lace.

         Daily Telegraph (Nexis) 3 February 28
      costume
      1. zephyr 1774–
         Any of various lightweight or thin articles of clothing or accessories, such as a light shawl, scarf, or coat; (in later use) spec. a light shirt…
      2. zendaletto 1789–
         Chiefly with reference to 18th-cent. Venice: a large shawl or veil of a type typically worn by women to cover the head and shoulders, sometimes…
      3. blanket shawl 1804–
         A large shawl made of wool or similar material.
      4. rebozo 1807–
         A shawl or long scarf covering the head and shoulders, traditionally worn by Mexican women.
      5. cashmere 1822–
         a. More fully cashmere shawl: a costly shawl made of fine soft wool obtained from the Cashmere goat and the wild goat of western China. b. The…
      6. India shawl 1822–
         attributive. Designating any of various products, esp. textiles, made in, associated with, or imported from India, as India calico, India cloth, I…
      7. Paisley shawl 1823–
         A large, highly patterned shawl, of a type produced in large quantities in Paisley in the 19th-cent., typically woven (or sometimes printed) with…
      8. turnover shawl 1825–
         A type of shawl consisting of a square of material with decorative borders attached on the right side along two edges and on the reverse side on…
      9. turnover 1827–
         Originally: = turnover shawl, n. (now chiefly historical). Later more generally (English regional (chiefly south-western) and Welsh English): a…
      10. pashmina 1837–
          A garment, esp. a shawl, made from the fabric pashmina (sense A.2).
      11. merino 1839–
          A garment, esp. a dress or shawl, made of merino (sense B.2a).
      12. Paisley 1849–
          = Paisley shawl n. at sense I.2. Now chiefly historical.
      13. fascinator 1853–
          Originally and chiefly U.S. A woman's shawl or scarf, typically crocheted, knitted, or of lace, worn draped over the head and wrapped around the…
      14. phulkari 1887–
          A cloth, sheet, or shawl embroidered in this style.
      15. manton 1920–
          A type of Spanish shawl.
      16. lappa 1954–
          A woman's shawl or skirt.
      View in Historical Thesaurus
      1. campaign coat 1676–
         A coat worn on a military campaign; a type of coat in general use resembling a military coat of this kind; cf. campaign, n. II.4.
      2. campaign 1680–92
         A coat worn on a military campaign; a type of coat in general use resembling a military coat of this kind; = campaign coat, n. Obsolete.
      3. dust-coat a1741–
         See dust-cloak, n.
      4. hunting-coat 1789–
      5. pink c1791–
         Scarlet when worn by fox-hunters; a scarlet hunting coat, or the cloth of which it is made. Cf. hunting pink, n.
      6. frock coat 1797–
         A skirted coat. Cf. skirt, n. I.2b, skirted, adj. 1b. A coat that is worn as part of the service or ceremonial dress uniform of various military…
      7. reading-coat 1830–95
         a. A coat to wear while reading; b. = redingote, n.
      8. wedding-coat 1838–
      9. zephyr 1843–
         Any of various lightweight or thin articles of clothing or accessories, such as a light shawl, scarf, or coat; (in later use) spec. a light shirt…
      10. chore coat 1867–
          (Originally) any of various coats or jackets worn (typically by men) while doing outdoor chores; esp. a short coat made of a rough sturdy fabric…
      11. miller's coat 1890
          A type of protective coat.
      12. lab coat 1895–
          A protective coat, typically of white fabric, worn over ordinary clothing by a worker in a laboratory, clinic, etc. Also: a scientist…
      13. tea-coat 1899–
          A garment worn by women at the tea-table (cf. coat, n. I.2b, and tea-jacket).
      14. stroller 1901–
          U.S. A man's suit jacket worn for semi-formal daytime events, typically resembling a tuxedo jacket but without satin or grosgrain on the lapels. More…
      15. bridge coat 1905–
          A woman's short evening coat or jacket designed to be worn at bridge parties, often of a luxurious fabric such as velvet or silk, and typically…
      16. sports coat 1909–
          A coat, now typically one worn by a man, for informal wear or (chiefly in early use) for sport; cf. sports jacket, n.
      17. sport coat 1917–
          = sports coat, n.
      18. sportster 1929–
          U.S. An item of clothing suitable for sporting or informal wear; a casually stylish garment or set of clothes. Now rare.
      19. laboratory coat c1936–
          General attributive, as laboratory apparatus, laboratory chemist, laboratory coat, laboratory experiment, laboratory fire, laboratory machinery, labo…
      20. car coat 1956–
          A short, square-cut style of coat designed to be worn when driving a car.
      View in Historical Thesaurus
      1. bloody shirt a1586–
         A bloodstained shirt exhibited as a symbol of murder, outrage, or hostility; (United States) figurative as a symbol of the hostility between North…
      2. historical shirt a1640–
         (Probably) a shirt embroidered with figures or narrative scenes; perhaps cf. historified, adj., historiated, adj.
      3. day shirt 1684–
         (A name for) a shirt worn during the day time (as opposed to a nightshirt, n.).
      4. banyan shirt 1728–
         a. In South Asian contexts: a loose-fitting shirt, nightgown, or undershirt. historical after 19th cent. †b. English regional. A short jacket or…
      5. ruffle shirt 1749–
         A shirt adorned with ruffles. Cf. ruffled shirt, n.
      6. ruffled shirt 1754–
         = ruffle shirt, n.
      7. dicky 1781
         slang. A man's shirt, esp. a worn-out one. Obsolete. rare.
      8. overshirt 1805–
         A shirt worn over other garments.
      9. camise 1812–
         = kameez, n.
      10. mill tog 1821–
          A shirt, esp. one made or worn by prisoners.
      11. tunic shirt 1838–
          A long, loose-fitting, typically collarless shirt, typically worn with trousers; cf. caftan, n.
      12. bush shirt 1845–
          A loose-fitting shirt, typically with long sleeves and several pockets, originally intended to be worn in hot climates, esp. for manual work. Cf. b…
      13. boiled shirt 1853–
          a. U.S. a white linen shirt (see shirt, n. I.2); b. a man's dress shirt.
      14. Crimean shirt 1853–
          A long loose shirt made of a durable fabric; a coloured flannel shirt usually worn outside the trousers, formerly popular amongst workers in the…
      15. Crimea shirt 1857–
          = Crimean shirt, n.
      16. shirtwaist 1859–1921
          A light loose buttoned blouse or shirt for boys, with cuffs and collar, and often gathered at the waist. Also: a similar garment for men. Obsolete.
      17. baseball shirt 1860–
          A shirt worn (as a uniform) for playing baseball; (also) a type of casual shirt (esp. a long-sleeved T-shirt) having raglan sleeves in a…
      18. shirt 1867–
          As a name for garments resembling a shirt. A garment for the upper body, typically made of soft stretchable fabric (sometimes having a short row of…
      19. war shirt 1867–
          Among some Indigenous peoples of central North America: an ornately-decorated shirt which records or commemorates achievements in battle, typically…
      20. polo shirt 1887–
          a. A shirt of the kind worn by polo players; (hence) a short-sleeved casual shirt with a collar and buttons at the neck. b. a shirt with a polo neck.
      21. zephyr 1887–
          Any of various lightweight or thin articles of clothing or accessories, such as a light shawl, scarf, or coat; (in later use) spec. a light shirt…
      22. Ghost Shirt 1890–
          A shirt or shirt-like garment created and worn by a Ghost Dancer, reputed to give the wearer spiritual powers and protection; cf. Ghost Dancer, n.
      23. Henley 1890–
          Originally and chiefly North American. Also with lower-case initial. A shirt in a style associated with the Henley regatta; spec. a collarless…
      24. butterfly collar 1893–
          Any of various collars resembling the shape of a butterfly's wings; esp. (a) a type of wing collar having rounded wing tips, popular in the early…
      25. negligée shirt 1895–
          A soft-fronted shirt formerly worn by men.
      26. turtle-neck 1897–
          a. A close-fitting roll or band collar, now usually one intermediate in height between a crew-neck and a polo-neck; (formerly also) = polo neck, n.…
      27. rugby shirt 1902–
          a. North American a dress shirt in a style associated with Rugby School (now rare); b. a pullover shirt worn for playing rugby, traditionally made…
      28. sports shirt 1912–
          A shirt, now typically a short-sleeved one worn by a man, for informal wear or for sport.
      29. sport shirt 1914–
          = sports shirt, n.
      30. safari shirt 1921–
      31. button-down 1924–
          Originally North American. A button-down shirt (see button-down shirt at sense A.2b).
      32. thousand-miler 1929–
          A dark shirt that does not show the dirt.
      33. aloha shirt 1936–
          = Hawaiian shirt, n.
      34. buba 1937–
          Esp. in Nigeria (originally among the Yoruba people): a type of loose blouse or shirt with long loose sleeves, worn by both men and women.
      35. zoot shirt 1942–
          attributive. Designating an item of clothing forming part of, or designed to be worn with, a zoot suit, as zoot jacket, zoot pants, zoot shirt, etc.
      36. dashiki 1949–
          A loose-fitting tunic originating in West Africa, typically made from brightly-coloured woven fabric and having an ornately decorated V-shaped…
      37. Hawaiian shirt 1955–
          A highly coloured and gaily patterned shirt.
      38. muscle shirt 1961–
          A sleeveless, tight-fitting T-shirt designed to show off the wearer's physique.
      39. sweater-shirt 1964–
          a. U.S. a knitted garment that may be worn as a sweater or a shirt; b. = sweatshirt, n.
      40. beach shirt 1966–
      41. kimono shirt 1968–
          A long Japanese robe with sleeves. Now frequently applied to a similar loose, wide-sleeved garment, fastened with a sash, and worn as a dressing…
      42. half shirt 1981–
          A short-sleeved or sleeveless garment for the upper body that has been cut short so that it reveals the stomach.
      View in Historical Thesaurus
   2. 2.b.
      1819–
      A very fine, light, cotton gingham cloth, used esp. for women's dresses; a piece or variety of this. Now chiefly historical.
      1. 1819

         > Gauze and zephyrs for your picture frames and looking-glasses, sir.

         Blackwood's Magazine April 487/1
      2. 1863

         > [To] measure a yard of calico..or choose a shade of zephyr.

         B. Taylor, Hannah Thurston vol. I. 128
      3. 1898

         > Another item of interest in the Wash Dress Goods Department, is Lace Zephyrs in Gingham effects.

         Church Standard 5 March 620/1 (advertisement)
      4. 1905

         > I'm sorting up zephyrs to-morrow, Sir.

         H. G. Wells, Kipps i. vi. §1
      5. 1940

         > Scarfs for your fall ensemble. Ascots and longs in chiffon, wool, fine zephyrs and satin.

         Wellsboro (Pennsylvania) Agitator 16 October 4/4 (advertisement)
      6. 2008

         > He'd never lost his fascination with fabric. He knew all the fancy names and adjectives—organdy, tulle, crepe de chine, damask, moire, zephyr, batiste.

         S. Hay, Secret of Lost Things iv. 48
      dressmaking textiles historical
      1. pintado a1575–
         A fine cotton cloth painted or dyed with patterns of flowers, imported from India and used esp. for cupboard cloths, quilts, and curtains. Cf. chintz…
      2. Salempore 1598–
         ‘A blue cotton cloth formerly made at Nellore in India, and largely exported to the West Indies, where it was the usual slave cloth’ (E. H. Knight Pra…
      3. chintz 1625–
         originally. A name for the painted or stained calicoes imported from India; now, a name for cotton cloths fast-printed with designs of flowers, etc…
      4. nankeen c1700–
         A kind of pale yellowish cloth, originally made at Nanking from a yellow variety of cotton, but subsequently manufactured from ordinary cotton…
      5. caffa 1701–1810
         A kind of painted cotton cloth made in India, and occurring in commerce in the 18th cent.
      6. jamwar 1721–
      7. nankinett 1794–1805
         A kind of cloth; = nankeen, n. A.I.1a.
      8. purdah 1813–58
         A kind of striped cotton cloth. rare. Obsolete.
      9. zephyr 1819–
         A very fine, light, cotton gingham cloth, used esp. for women's dresses; a piece or variety of this. Now chiefly historical.
      10. nankeening 1830
          A type of cloth; = nankeen, n. A.I.1a.
      11. calico 1841–
          Hence. North American. Printed cotton cloth.
      12. permanent 1854–
          A kind of light cotton cloth with a permanent dye.
      13. galatea 1874–
          A strong cotton twill fabric, frequently with blue stripes on a white ground, or plain blue or white.
      14. Madras gingham 1880–
          = sense II.8.
      15. Turkey red 1880–
          Cotton cloth of this colour.
      16. Madras 1897–
          A cotton fabric with brightly coloured or white stripes, checks, etc., originally produced in Madras.
      17. shadow cretonne 1932–
      18. shadow stripe 1932–
          (See quots. 1940, 1947).
      View in Historical Thesaurus
3. 3.
   1835–
   More fully zephyr anglewing. A North American comma butterfly, now usually regarded as a hoary comma of the subspecies Polygonia gracilis zephyrus.
   Formerly treated as a separate species, P. zephyrus.
   1. 1835

      > Zephyr butterfly seen.

      E. Shore, Journal 22 April (1891) 107
   2. 1898

      > Grapta zephyrus.., (The Zephyr).

      W. J. Holland, Butterfly Book 166
   3. 1950

      > Polygonia zephyrus Edw... The Zephyr is a Rocky Mountain member of the angle-wing clan.

      J. S. Garth, Butterflies of Grand Canyon National Park 26
   4. 1992

      > The Zephyr Anglewing is a common butterfly in our region.

      T. C. Emmel et al., Florissant Butterflies 71
4. 4.
   1847–
   A member of the Bataillons d'Infanterie Légère d'Afrique, a light infantry corps in the French army serving in North Africa, made up of convicted criminals who had not yet performed military service, and serving soldiers assigned for breaches of discipline. Now historical.
   The corps was formed in 1832 and disbanded in 1972.
   1. 1847

      > ‘Zephyr’ is a cant term for a particular (penal) corps in the French ‘army of Africa’... Even Frenchmen acknowledge that the cruelty of the ‘Zephyrs’ surpasses belief.

      E. Plunkett, Past & Future British Navy (ed. 2) iv. 96
   2. 1854

      > Zephyrs is a nickname given in Algeria to a corps which is recruited from..the French army.

      Household Words vol. 8 145/1
   3. 1882

      > If a zouave is as brave as a lion, it is safe to say that a ‘Zephyr’ is as brave as two.

      A. de Vervins, Mus. Mosaic 26
   4. 1911

      > Service with the ‘Zephyrs’, the malefactors of the French army.

      Blackwood's Magazine May 595/2
   5. 1998

      > Replaced by men of the African battalion, who were also designated by the names of the Joyful or the Zephyrs.

      W. E. J. Tips, translation of P. Neis, Sino-Vietnamese Border Demarcation viii. 47
   military historical
   1. kern 1351–
      Historical. A light-armed Irish foot-soldier (cf. quot. 1600); one of the poorer class among the ‘wild Irish’, from whom such soldiers were drawn…
   2. brigand?a1400–1523
      A light-armed, irregular foot-soldier. Obsolete.
   3. yeoman a1400–
      A man of the standing or rank described in sense II.3 serving as a (foot) soldier. Now Historical or archaic except as in II.4b.
   4. peltast 1600–
      A foot soldier equipped with a pelta (pelta, n. 1a) and javelin.
   5. miquelet 1670–
      Frequently in form Miquelet. (a) A member of an irregular Catalonian militia which engaged in military operations against the Castilian and French…
   6. appointee 1728–53
      Military.
   7. hoplite 1728–
      A heavy-armed foot-soldier of ancient Greece.
   8. light-bob 1778–
      (A nickname for) a soldier in a light infantry company. Also in plural with the and capital initial: (a nickname for) a particular regiment of the…
   9. light infantryman 1780–
      A soldier who serves in a light infantry unit.
   10. askar 1826–
       In North Africa: a soldier; spec. a native Moroccan infantryman.
   11. zephyr 1847–
       A member of the Bataillons d'Infanterie Légère d'Afrique, a light infantry corps in the French army serving in North Africa, made up of convicted…
   12. dough 1909–
       U.S. Army slang. An infantryman, esp. one in the United States Army. Cf. doughboy, n. 2. Now historical.
   View in Historical Thesaurus
5. 5.
   1862–
   Any of various sweet or savoury dishes having a light or fluffy texture, typically produced by whipping egg whites to a foam, as a meringue, soufflé, etc.
   1. 1862

      > These zephyrs must be dredged over with sugar previously to their being put in the oven.

      C. E. Francatelli, Royal English & Foreign Confectioner xix. 187
   2. ?1894

      > Zephyrs, these might almost be described under the heading of Soufflés.

      T. F. Garrett et al., Encycl. Pract. Cookery Division VIII. 805/1
   3. 1918

      > Corn Zephyrs. Mix with the cornmeal mush left from breakfast enough hot milk to make thin enough to whip... Whip in the stiffly beaten white of one egg.

      B. E. L. Stockbridge, Liberty Cook Book 159
   4. 1985

      > Cunningham and John Hudspeth, the proprietor, did try a fanciful little breakfast modernity, a kind of soufflé called lemon zephyr.

      Washington Post (Nexis) 16 October e1
   food and cooking
   1. whip 1756–
      A preparation of whipped cream, eggs, or the like.
   2. zephyr 1862–
      Any of various sweet or savoury dishes having a light or fluffy texture, typically produced by whipping egg whites to a foam, as a meringue…
   3. foam-sauce?1894–
      See foam-omelet, n.
   View in Historical Thesaurus

## Pronunciation

### British English

/ˈzɛfə/
ZEFF-uh

### U.S. English

/ˈzɛfər/
ZEFF-uhr

####

##### Consonants

- ppea
- ttea
- kkey
- bbuy
- ddye
- ɡguy
- tʃchore
- dʒjay
- ffore
- θthaw
- ssore
- ʃshore
- vvee
- ðthee
- zzee
- ʒbeige
- xloch
- hhay
- llay
- ɬrhingyll
- rray
- wway
- jyore
- mmay
- nnay
- ŋsing

Some consonants can take the function of the vowel in unstressed syllables. Where necessary, a syllabic marker diacritic is used, hence /ˈpɛtl/ but /ˈpɛtl̩i/.

##### Vowels

- iːfleece
- ihappy
- ɪkit
- ɛdress
- atrap, bath
- ɑːstart, palm, bath
- ɒlot
- ɔːthought, force
- ʌstrut
- ʊfoot
- uːgoose
- əletter
- əːnurse
- ɪənear
- ɛːsquare
- ʊəcure
- eɪface
- ʌɪpride
- aʊmouth
- əʊgoat
- ɔɪvoice
- ãgratin
- ɒ̃salon
- ᵻ(/ɪ/-/ə/)
- ᵿ(/ʊ/-/ə/)

##### Other symbols

- The symbol ˈ at the beginning of a syllable indicates that that syllable is pronounced with primary stress.
- The symbol ˌ at the beginning of a syllable indicates that that syllable is pronounced with secondary stress.
- Round brackets ( ) in a transcription indicate that the symbol within the brackets is optional.

View the pronunciation model here.

####

##### Consonants

- ppea
- ttea
- kkey
- bbuy
- ddye*
- ɡguy
- tʃchore
- dʒjay
- ffore
- θthaw
- ssore
- ʃshore
- vvee
- ðthee
- zzee
- ʒbeige
- xloch
- hhay
- llay
- rray
- wway
- jyore
- mmay
- nnay
- ŋsing

* /d/ also represents a 'tapped' /t/ as in

Some consonants can take the function of the vowel in unstressed syllables. Where necessary, a syllabic marker diacritic is used, hence /ˈpɛd(ə)l/ but /ˈpɛdl̩i/.

##### Vowels

- ifleece, happy
- ɪkit
- ɛdress
- ætrap, bath
- ɑlot, palm, cloth, thought
- ɑrstart
- ɔcloth, thought
- ɔrnorth, force
- ʊfoot
- ugoose
- əstrut, comma
- ərnurse, letter
- ɪ(ə)rnear
- ɛ(ə)rsquare
- ʊ(ə)rcure
- eɪface
- aɪpride
- aʊmouth
- oʊgoat
- ɔɪvoice
- ɑ̃gratin
- æ̃salon
- ᵻ(/ɪ/-/ə/)
- ᵿ(/ʊ/-/ə/)

##### Other symbols

- The symbol ˈ at the beginning of a syllable indicates that that syllable is pronounced with primary stress.
- The symbol ˌ at the beginning of a syllable indicates that that syllable is pronounced with secondary stress.
- Round brackets ( ) in a transcription indicate that the symbol within the brackets is optional.

View the pronunciation model here.

####

Simple text respell breaks words into syllables, separated by a hyphen. The syllable which carries the primary stress is written in capital letters. This key covers both British and U.S. English Simple Text Respell.

##### Consonants

b, d, f, h, k, l, m, n, p, r, s, t, v, w and z have their standard English values

- gguy
- jjay
- yyore
- chchore
- khloch
- shshore
- ththaw
- dhthee
- zhbeige

##### Vowels

- atrap
- ahpalm
- airsquare
- arstart
- arrcarry (British only)
- awthought
- ayface
- a(ng)gratin
- edress
- eefleece
- eerdeer
- errmerry
- ikit
- ighpride
- irrmirror
- olot (British only)
- ohgoat
- oogoose
- oorcure
- orforce
- orrsorry (British only)
- owmouth
- oyvoice
- o(ng)salon
- ustrut
- uhletter
- urnurse
- urrhurry
- uufoot

## Forms

### Variant forms

#### 1.

##### α.

1. Old English
   zefferus
2. Middle English
   zeferus, zeforus
3. Middle English–1500s
   zepherus
4. Middle English–1600s
   zephirus
5. Middle English–
   zephyrus

##### β.

1. 1500s–1600s
   zephire, zephyre
2. 1500s–1700s
   zephir
3. 1500s–
   zephyr
4. 1600s
   zepher

#### 2. Also with capital initial.

## Frequency

zephyr typically occurs about 0.1 times per million words in modern written English.

zephyr is in frequency band 4, which contains words occurring between 0.1 and 1 times per million words in modern written English. More about OED's frequency bands

Frequency data is computed programmatically, and should be regarded as an estimate.

### Frequency of zephyr, n., 1750–2010

* Occurrences per million words in written English

Historical frequency series are derived from Google Books Ngrams (version 2), a data set based on the Google Books corpus of several million books printed in English between 1500 and 2010.

The overall frequency for a given word is calculated by summing frequencies for the main form of the word, any plural or inflected forms, and any major spelling variations.

For sets of homographs (distinct entries that share the same word-form, e.g. mole, n.¹, mole, n.², mole, n.³, etc.), we have estimated the frequency of each homograph entry as a fraction of the total Ngrams frequency for the word-form. This may result in inaccuracies.

Smoothing has been applied to series for lower-frequency words, using a moving-average algorithm. This reduces short-term fluctuations, which may be produced by variability in the content of the Google Books corpus.

Decade | Frequency per million words
--- | ---
1750 | 0.39
1760 | 0.51
1770 | 0.67
1780 | 0.88
1790 | 0.98
1800 | 1.1
1810 | 1.1
1820 | 0.99
1830 | 0.92
1840 | 0.89
1850 | 0.84
1860 | 0.81
1870 | 0.76
1880 | 0.69
1890 | 0.63
1900 | 0.56
1910 | 0.48
1920 | 0.39
1930 | 0.31
1940 | 0.25
1950 | 0.2
1960 | 0.16
1970 | 0.13
1980 | 0.12
1990 | 0.11
2000 | 0.11
2010 | 0.12

### Frequency of zephyr, n., 2017–2024

* Occurrences per million words in written English

Modern frequency series are derived from a corpus of 20 billion words, covering the period from 2017 to the present. The corpus is mainly compiled from online news sources, and covers all major varieties of World English.

Smoothing has been applied to series for lower-frequency words, using a moving-average algorithm. This reduces short-term fluctuations, which may be produced by variability in the content of the corpus.

Period | Frequency per million words
--- | ---
2017 | 0.025
2018 | 0.023
2019 | 0.024
2020 | 0.025
2021 | 0.025
2022 | 0.025
2023 | 0.027
2024 | 0.028

## Compounds & derived words

Sort by

1. zephyr-gale, n. 1596–1901
   A zephyr; a west wind; a gentle breeze; cf. gale…

1. zephyrian, adj. 1661–
   Of, relating to, or reminiscent of, a zephyr or…

1. zephyrous, adj. a1750–
   Of, relating to, or reminiscent of, a zephyr or…

1. zephyr-like, adv. & adj. 1765–
   a. adv. In the manner of a zephyr or light…

1. zephyret, n. 1777–1881
   A gentle zephyr; a light breeze. Also in extended use.

1. zephyry, adj. 1791–
   Of the nature of a zephyr or light breeze…

1. zephyrean, adj. 1793–
   Of the nature of, or reminiscent of, a zephyr or…

1. zephyrine, adj. & n. 1819–
   Of a garment: made of zephyrine (sense B).

1. zephyrless, adj. a1821–
   †a. (In quot. 1821, of wind) characterized by the…

1. zephyring, adj. 1821–
   Attended by or characterized by zephyrs; blowing…

1. zephyr, v. 1829–
   intransitive. Of a wind: to blow gently or…

1. zephyr flower, n. ?1829–
   a. An anemone, esp. Pulsatilla vernalis; b. a…

1. Washoe zephyr, n. 1865–
   A strong west wind that blows in Nevada.

1. zephyr lily, n. ?1877–
   Any of various plants of the genus Zephyranthes…

1. C.1.
   1. C.1.a.
      1790–
      attributive, with the sense ‘reminiscent of a zephyr (in sense 1b), ‘mild and gentle’, as zephyr breath, zephyr sigh, etc.
      Frequently used metaphorically to refer to a breeze, or the sound produced by a breeze.
      1. 1790

         > The zephyr breath of wisdom and moderation is heard with reluctance.

         Argus 6 January
      2. 1818

         > Where every zephyr-sigh pouts, and endows Her lips with music for the welcoming.

         J. Keats, Endymion i. 21
      3. 1842

         > Nor was the atmosphere quite free from zephyr whisperings of the thirty beds which had just been cleared away.

         C. Dickens, American Notes vol. II. ii. 61
      4. 1883

         > With zephyr-hiss, the ripples glide laughing to the shore.

         P. W. Norris, Calumet of Coteau 135
      5. 1912

         > The zephyr touch restrained him—his bride was claiming the nuptial kiss.

         Saturday Evening Post 18 May 6/2
      6. 1917

         > We feel their soft touch like a zephyr caress.

         E. H. Hornbrook, Homespun Verses 26
      7. 2011

         > A zephyr breath rakes the lightweight cloak from her shoulders and ripples the feather ornament nestled in her hair.

         O. Andem, Patience becomes Lady iv. 32
   2. C.1.b.
      1638–
      Instrumental (in senses 1a and 1b), as zephyr-fanned, zephyr-kissed, etc.
      1. 1638

         > Sweet sleepe disdaines not countrie clownes low sheads, And shadie bankes, and Zephyre-fanned meades [Latin Zephyris agitata tempe].

         H. Rider, translation of Horace, Odes & Epodes 56
      2. 1796

         > Ere from thy zephyr-haunted brink I turn.

         S. T. Coleridge, Poems on Various Subjects 28
      3. c1840

         > The zephyr-kissed grass.

         E. Cook, Spring v
      4. 1867

         > The zephyr-cooled eminences of cloud-space.

         H. R. Helper, Nojoque iii. 135
      5. 1896

         > Over there in the zephyr-blown forest, Where the pine trees have buried their dead.

         C. E. Prentiss, Sunshine & Shadow 88
      6. 1912

         > The melody of their bells mingles..with the musical cadence of zephyr-moved foliage.

         E. Staley, Lords & Ladies of Italian Lakes iv. 196
      7. 1969

         > Removal by divine favor to a zephyr-warmed land of bliss.

         Zeitschrift f. vergleichende Sprachforschung vol. 83 69
      8. 2002

         > You are swooping among the lime-green trees against the zephyr-swept clouds.

         E. Wong, Boid & Oskar 36
2. C.2.
   1809–
   attributive. Designating a garment, fabric, or yarn which is especially fine or lightweight; (also) designating an article made of zephyr (sense 2b). Now chiefly historical and rare.
   1. 1809

      > Elegant Feather Tippets, and Zephyr Scarfs, tinted and shaded with various hues.

      Morning Post 2 October
   2. 1849

      > Zephyr Silk Barège... This is one of those light and elegant fabrics which have done so much to reduce the demand for the higher class of light printed goods.

      Journal Design August 143
   3. 1852

      > We have Paletôts,..Zephyr wrappers,..and a host of other garments.

      Household Words vol. 4 398/2
   4. 1858

      > Zephyr-cloth, a kind of kerseymere made in Belgium; a waterproof fabric.

      P. L. Simmonds, Dictionary of Trade Products
   5. 1858

      > Zephyr-shawl, a kind of thin light worsted and cotton embroidered shawl.

      P. L. Simmonds, Dictionary of Trade Products
   6. 1864

      > Zephyr yarn, or worsted, a fine kind of yarn or worsted, called also Berlin wool.

      Webster's American Dictionary of English Language
   7. 1882

      > Zephyr Ginghams or Prints. These are pretty delicate textiles, resembling a cotton batiste. Zephyr Merino Yarn. The term employed by the wool staplers of Germany to signify what is usually called German or Berlin. Zephyr Shirting..a kind of gauze flannel, having a silk warp.

      S. F. A. Caulfeild & B. C. Saward, Dictionary of Needlework 528/1
   8. 1883

      > Two sisters in blue zephyr gowns.

      Truth 31 May 768/2
   9. 1888

      > Two pairs of zephyr stays,..besides a few pairs of ordinary stays.

      M. Bradshaw, Indian Outfits 31
   10. 1932

       > Thicker wools of sports and zephyr types are good for beginners.

       D. C. Minter, Modern Needlecraft 67/1
   11. 1979

       > Mr. Wilks, the enterprising owner of Wilks' Warehouse in Regent street in London, began importing patterns and the brilliant coloured ‘Zephyr’ wool direct from Berlin.

       T. Beck, Embroidered Gardens 97/1
   spinning historical
   1. Shetland 1790–
      spec. Designating a garment made of Shetland wool, Shetland yarn, or knitted using the traditional techniques and designs of Shetland knitting, as…
   2. zephyr 1809–
      attributive. Designating a garment, fabric, or yarn which is especially fine or lightweight; (also) designating an article made of zephyr (sense…
   3. crewel 1887–
      Pertaining to or embroidered with crewel-work, n.: crewel yarn = sense 1.
   4. Saxony 1888–
      A fine kind of wool, and cloth made from it. Also absol. = Saxony-cloth.
   5. quick-knit 1935–
      a. n. A type of very thick wool with which a garment can be knitted in a short time; a garment which can be knitted quickly, esp. with this wool; b…
   View in Historical Thesaurus
   1. light c1230–
      Of a material: made from fine thread or yarn; having an open weave; fine, thin; not thick or heavy, lightweight. Of an item of clothing, etc.: made…
   2. small 1473
      Of cloth, yarn, garments, etc.: fine in texture or structure. Now rare.
   3. cypress 1530–1677
      attributive (or adj.). Of cypress.
   4. sheer 1565–
      Of textile fabrics, etc.: Thin, fine, diaphanous. Chiefly U.S. (except of stockings).
   5. sleazy 1670–
      Of textile fabrics or materials: Thin or flimsy in texture; having little substance or body.
   6. zephyr 1809–
      attributive. Designating a garment, fabric, or yarn which is especially fine or lightweight; (also) designating an article made of zephyr (sense…
   7. slim 1813–
      dialect. Of fabrics: Flimsy, thin.
   8. arachnean 1854–
      Resembling a spider's web, gossamer.
   9. spring weight 1869–
      Designating a light or medium-weight fabric suitable for spring clothing, or items made from this.
   10. chiffon 1890–
       A diaphanous plain-woven fabric of fine hard-twisted yarn (originally silk, later nylon, etc.); also attributive, sometimes with sense ‘light in…
   11. frothy 1901–
       Used to describe very light, tenuous dress-material.
   View in Historical Thesaurus
   1. chambray 1787–
      Made of chambray.
   2. zephyr 1809–
      attributive. Designating a garment, fabric, or yarn which is especially fine or lightweight; (also) designating an article made of zephyr (sense…
   3. leno 1821–
      attributive and in other combinations, as leno brocade, leno weave.
   View in Historical Thesaurus
3. C.3.
   1. zephyr-gale, n. 1596–1901
      A zephyr; a west wind; a gentle breeze; cf. gale…
   1. zephyr flower, n. ?1829–
      a. An anemone, esp. Pulsatilla vernalis; b. a…
   1. zephyr lily, n. ?1877–
      Any of various plants of the genus Zephyranthes…

zephyr, n. was revised in June 2018.

zephyr, n. was last modified in December 2024.