ENGLISH
REFERENCE

northwestern

adj.
A2 Elementary US //ˌnɔɹθˈwɛstɝn// UK //nɔːθwˈɛstən// north·west·ern

adj. located in or coming from the direction between north and west.

adj. situated in, directed toward, or originating from the northwest. Often used to describe geographic regions or specific administrative divisions.


SIMPLE

The storm is moving toward the northwestern coast.

CONTEXTUAL

Many people enjoy hiking in the northwestern part of the state during the summer months.

COMPLEX

The northwestern territories are sparsely populated, characterized by rugged terrain and a climate that remains harsh for much of the calendar year.

Synonyms
Origin

Probably the reflex of Old English *norþwesterne, equivalent to north + western, cognate with or formed similarly to Middle Low German nōrtwestern and Old High German nordwestrōni. Compare earlier northeastern, southeastern, and southwestern.

Usage

Typically placed before the noun it modifies; often capitalized when referring to a specific, recognized region.

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