English Reference
noun · adjective · adverb

north

n. · adj. · adv.
US /ˈnɔɹθ/ UK /nˈɔːθ/ north UK spelling norths

  1. 01 A1 Beginner

    n.the direction that is at the top of most maps.

    n.the cardinal point of the compass that is at 0 degrees, situated to the left of a person facing east.

    Simple

    The birds fly north during the spring to find cooler weather.

    In context

    The hikers checked their compass frequently to ensure they were still heading due north through the dense forest.

    northerly direction
  2. 02 A2 Elementary

    n.a part of a country or the world that is in the north.

    n.a specific geographic area or territory situated in the northern part of a country or the world.

    Simple

    It is much colder in the north of the country during winter.

    In context

    Economic disparities between the industrialised North and the agrarian South have shaped the nation's political landscape for decades.

    northern region
    the south
  3. 03 A1 Beginner

    adj.describing something that is in the north or a wind coming from the north.

    adj.situated in or oriented toward the north; when referring to wind, it indicates the direction of origin.

    Simple

    A cold north wind blew across the lake all afternoon.

    In context

    The north entrance of the stadium is reserved for staff and emergency vehicles during the tournament.

  4. 04 A1 Beginner

    adv.towards the north.

    adv.in a northerly direction; used as an adverb of direction.

    Simple

    We drove north for three hours until we reached the border.

    In context

    The storm system is expected to track north throughout the evening, bringing heavy rain to the coastal provinces.

  5. 05 B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Science

    n.the part of a magnet that points toward the Earth's North Pole.

    n.the pole of a magnet that seeks the Earth's magnetic north pole.

    Simple

    The north pole of one magnet will push away the north pole of another.

    In context

    In this experiment, students must identify the north and south poles of the unmarked bar magnets using a compass.

    north pole
  6. 06 C1 Advanced Informal Economics

    adj.more than a certain amount or number.

    adj.indicating a quantity or value greater than the specified amount.

    Simple

    The repairs to the car will cost us north of a thousand dollars.

    In context

    Market analysts predict that the company's valuation will remain north of fifty billion dollars despite the recent quarterly losses.

    south of

Usage north east · north of the border · north of the island


By proprialization from north. The English surname is also translated from other surnames of the same meaning, such as Irish Mac an Ultaigh (“son of the Ulsterman”), Ulster being the northern part of Ireland.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level A1 · Beginner
Frequency Very common
Updated