A zephyr is a sailing term for a soft, gentle breeze or a light, warm wind, often originating from the west. It is commonly used in sailing to describe light-air conditions where the wind is barely felt, often providing a pleasant, calm sailing experience.

Origin: Named after Zephyrus, the Greek god of the west wind.

Context: It represents a very light, pleasant, or "gentle" wind in nautical terminology.

Usage: Often used in a poetic or literary sense in sailing to describe a "soft breeze" or a "light puff of air".

Related Term: A "Zephyr" is also a specific 12-foot, one-design, single-handed sailing dinghy class, popular in New Zealand.