southwestern

adjective

south·​west·​ern sau̇(th)-ˈwe-stərn 

1

: lying toward or coming from the southwest

2

often capitalized : of, relating to, or characteristic of a region conventionally designated Southwest

southwesternmost

sau̇(th)-ˈwe-stərn-ˌmōst 

adjective

Examples of southwestern in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

From this point on the story switches to different southwestern states, Kansas, Colorado, back to Wyoming as other characters are introduced who will be a key part of efforts to track down Lucas. —Pete Hammond, Deadline, 1 May 2025

The southwestern corner of the state, including Texarkana, is at an enhanced risk for severe weather. —Remington Miller, Arkansas Online, 30 Apr. 2025

The action is set in southwestern France; Deneuve plays Émilie, a lawyer in partnership with her husband, Bruno (Jean-Pierre Bouvier). —Richard Brody, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025

But health experts warn the coming summer travel months will present ample opportunity for the highly contagious respiratory virus to spread from the southwestern corner of Kansas and beyond to larger population centers. —Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 28 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English sūth-westerne, from sūth south + westerne western

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing southwestern

• southwestern corn borer

Rhymes for southwestern

• northwestern
• western

Kids Definition

southwestern

adjective

south·​west·​ern sau̇(th)-ˈwes-tərn 

1

: lying toward or coming from the southwest

2

often capitalized : of, relating to, or characteristic of the Southwest