A wind vane, also known as a weather vane, is an instrument used to measure the direction of the wind. There are several synonyms for this tool, including wind indicator, wind sock, and wind gauge. Wind indicator is used to provide information about the speed and direction of the wind, while wind sock is a popular term for a large, fabric tube displayed at airports to show wind direction. In contrast, a wind gauge is a device used to measure the force or speed of the wind. Synonyms for wind vane help to describe the various tools used to measure the wind, each with their specific functions and uses.