A zephyr is a soft, gentle breeze. The word comes from Zephyrus, the Greek god of the west wind, who was believed to bring spring's mild weather. When you step outside on a perfect spring day and feel a light wind that barely ruffles your hair, that's a zephyr.

Unlike a gust that might scatter your papers or a strong wind that makes trees sway dramatically, a zephyr is delicate and pleasant. It's the kind of breeze that makes curtains flutter softly or carries the scent of flowers through an open window. When authors describe a zephyr in their writing, they're usually setting a peaceful, pleasant scene.

You might hear someone say “just a zephyr” to describe something very light or gentle. The word captures that perfect moment when the air moves just enough to feel refreshing without being forceful. While most people just say “breeze” in everyday conversation, zephyr is a more poetic word that suggests something especially gentle and welcome.