northerly

1 of 2

adjective or adverb

north·​er·​ly ˈnȯr-t͟hər-lē How to pronounce northerly (audio)
1
: situated toward or belonging to the north
the northerly border
2
: coming from the north
a northerly wind

northerly

2 of 2

noun

plural northerlies
: a wind from the north

Examples of northerly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective or adverb
For example, a ridge running north-south blocks a westerly wind and a ridge running east-west blocks a northerly wind. Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 20 Mar. 2025 Less than 500 miles (700 km) from the North Pole, the world’s second most northerly national park welcomes less than 40 visitors each year. Joe Yogerst, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
Noun
Only the strongest swimmers should consider cliff diving into the sea, which can become rough when northerlies blow through. Helen Iatrou, Travel + Leisure, 20 Apr. 2024 See All Example Sentences for northerly

Word History

Etymology

Adjective or adverb

north entry 3 + -erly (as in easterly)

First Known Use

Adjective Or Adverb

circa 1544, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1895, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of northerly was circa 1544

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Northerly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/northerly. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

northerly

1 of 2 adjective or adverb
north·​er·​ly ˈnȯr-t͟hər-lē How to pronounce northerly (audio)
1
: placed or lying toward the north
the northerly border
2
: coming from the north
a northerly wind

northerly

2 of 2 noun
plural northerlies
: a wind from the north

More from Merriam-Webster on northerly

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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