Word
leeward
Phoneticslee·ward, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɫiwɝd/
UK/lˈiːwəd/
Definition
adj. on the side away from the wind, where you are sheltered from it. You use it to talk about the calm side of a boat, an island or a hill.
adj. situated on or towards the side sheltered from the wind; opposite to windward. Often used in nautical and geographical contexts to describe position relative to wind direction.
Examples
“We sit on the leeward side to avoid the wind.”
“The sailors move to the leeward side of the boat where the sail blocks the cold wind.”
“The village lies on the leeward slope of the mountain, where crops grow easily because the high ridge blocks the harsh ocean winds.”
Examples
simple
“We sit on the leeward side to avoid the wind.”
contextual
“The sailors move to the leeward side of the boat where the sail blocks the cold wind.”
complex
“The village lies on the leeward slope of the mountain, where crops grow easily because the high ridge blocks the harsh ocean winds.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “leeward” in context.
Verb
01. drift to leeward
“With the engine off, the dinghy began to drift to leeward.”
verb + prep + adj
02. heel to leeward
“Caught by a sudden gust, the yacht heeled sharply to leeward.”
verb + prep + adj
03. keep leeward
“Keep leeward as you round the headland to avoid the worst swell.”
verb + adj
04. lie to leeward
“The atoll lies to leeward of the prevailing trade winds.”
verb + prep + adj
Adjective
05. leeward coast
“The leeward coast of the island has calm beaches and safe harbours.”
adj + noun
06. leeward shore
“Turtles nest on the leeward shore where the water is calm.”
adj + noun
07. leeward side
“We gathered on the leeward side of the deck to escape the spray.”
adj + noun
08. leeward slope
“Vines thrive on the leeward slope, sheltered from harsh ocean winds.”
adj + noun
Noun
09. anchorage to leeward
“They sought a safe anchorage to leeward of the point.”
noun + prep + adj
10. drift to leeward of
“Loose gear will quickly drift to leeward of the boat.”
11. leeward side of the island
“Most villages are clustered on the leeward side of the island.”
12. on the leeward side
“We sat on the leeward side of the ferry to avoid the wind.”
Usage
Typically placed before the noun it modifies; opposite of 'windward'.
Etymology
From lee (“side away from the wind”) + -ward (“direction”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Antonyms
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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