northerly

1 of 2

adjective or adverb

north·​er·​ly ˈnȯr-t͟hər-lē 

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

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

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

Kids Definition

northerly

1 of 2 adjective or adverb

north·​er·​ly ˈnȯr-t͟hər-lē 

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