1. generally accepted; widespread: the prevailing opinion. 2. most frequent or conspicuous; predominant: the prevailing wind is from the north.

PREVAILING definition: predominant. See examples of prevailing used in a sentence.

PREVAILING definition: 1. existing in a particular place or at a particular time: 2. a wind that usually blows in a…. Learn more.

Synonyms for PREVAILING: conventional, usual, current, customary, prevalent, standard, popular, going; Antonyms of PREVAILING: unusual, extraordinary, unpopular, abnormal, exceptional, …

The prevailing wind in an area is the type of wind that blows over that area most of the time. The direction of the prevailing winds should be taken into account.

Definition of prevailing adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025 pre•vail•ing (pri vā′ ling), adj. predominant: prevailing winds. generally current: the prevailing opinion. having superior …

The adjective prevailing comes from the Latin words prae, meaning before, and valere, meaning to be strong or have power. The English word maintains that sense of strength and predominance.

Prevailing refers to something that is most common or widespread, dominant or having superior power or influence, generally accepted or being in effect or use at a particular time.

Prevailing definition: Generally current; widespread.