windshield

IPA/ˈwɪndʃiːld/
KK[wˈɪndʃˌild]IPA/ˈwɪndʃiːld/

windshield — noun

1. the large piece of glass that a driver looks through when sitting behind the whe

1.nounB1
Definition

the large piece of glass that a driver looks through when sitting behind the wheel of a car, bus, or truck.

Example

Rafael wiped a thick layer of dust off the windshield before driving home.

collocation: wipe / clean the windshield

A small stone hit the windshield and left a tiny crack near the corner.

common collocation: crack in the windshield

Common collocations
  • wipe the windshield
  • crack the windshield
  • through the windshield
  • windshield wipers
Synonyms
  • windscreen

    British English equivalent for the same vehicle window

Usage Note

Subject of the verb is usually a car, truck, or bus; British English uses 'windscreen' for the same meaning.

Common Mistakes

I cleaned the wind shield of my car.
I cleaned the windshield of my car.
'windshield' is one word, not two.

2. a small clear screen made of glass or plastic, fitted to a motorcycle, scooter,

2.nounB2
Definition

a small clear screen made of glass or plastic, fitted to a motorcycle, scooter, or small boat to stop wind from hitting the rider or driver directly.

Example

Eshe added a tall windshield to her motorcycle for the long ride to the coast.

collocation: add / fit a windshield to a motorcycle

Gabriel ducked behind the windshield of his scooter to escape the cold morning air.

behind the windshield

Common collocations
  • fit a windshield
  • behind the windshield
  • tall windshield
  • clear windshield
Synonyms
  • windscreen

    British English equivalent; same protective screen on a motorcycle

  • fairing

    wider term for protective bodywork on a motorcycle, including the windshield area

Usage Note

Distinguish from sense 1: this sense applies to two-wheeled vehicles and small boats, not cars; the screen is usually much smaller and may be detachable.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

In American English, 'windshield' is the standard word for the large front glass of a car or truck; British English uses 'windscreen' for exactly the same thing. The two words differ only by region, not by meaning, so a learner only needs to match the variety they are writing in. 'Window' is a much broader term: any car has several windows (side windows, rear window), but only one of them is the windshield. When talking about repairs, replacement, wipers, or visibility while driving, native speakers almost always say 'windshield' or 'windscreen', not 'front window'. For example: 'A stone cracked the windshield on the highway' sounds natural, while 'A stone cracked the front window' sounds vague and odd.

windshield ↗windscreen ↗window ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • windshield wipers
  • windshield washer
  • windshield crack

Phrases

  • cracked windshield
  • clean the windshield
  • replace the windshield

Prepositions

  • through the windshield
  • behind the windshield
  • on the windshield

Etymology

Old EnglishModern English

Formed in English from 'wind' plus 'shield', literally meaning a shield against the wind. The compound appears in the 19th century to describe protective screens on early vehicles and boats, and became the standard American name for the front glass of a car as motoring spread in the early 20th century. British English settled on 'windscreen' instead during the same period.