Past Tense of Wind
The past form depends on which verb “wind” you mean. The /waɪnd/ verb meaning turn, twist, or follow a curving course is irregular: wind → wound → wound. The /wɪnd/ verb meaning make someone short of breath uses “winded.”
For “wind” /waɪnd/ meaning turn or twist, use “wound” for both past tense and past participle. For “wind” /wɪnd/ meaning make breathless, use “winded.”
Key details
Further guidance
Core difference
Turn/twist sense: wind → wound → wound. Breath-related sense: wind → winded.
Fast Test
If the present verb rhymes with “find,” the ordinary past is “wound.” If it means make someone short of breath and rhymes with “pinned,” use “winded.”
Usage Boundary
Do not choose the past form from spelling alone; pronunciation and meaning identify which verb is intended.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Wind — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Direct dictionary evidence for the two verb pronunciations/senses of “wind,” including wind → wound → wound for turning/twisting and “winded” for the breath-related verb.