# west

/ˈwɛst/ (US) · /wˈɛst/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/west
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. the direction

noun · CEFR A1

the direction you look to see the sun go down in the evening.

For teachers: the cardinal point on the compass at 270 degrees, opposite east.

- The sun sets in the west every evening.
- Navigators traditionally rely on the position of the setting sun to identify the west when electronic instruments fail.

### 2. geopolitical region

noun · CEFR B1

countries in Europe and North America that share similar political and social ideas.

For teachers: a geopolitical term referring to countries in Europe and North America, often contrasted with the East or the Global South.

- Many people in the West have similar cultural traditions.
- Diplomatic relations between the West and emerging economies have shifted significantly over the last decade.

### 3. location or direction

adjective · CEFR A2

located in or toward the west.

For teachers: situated in, directed toward, or facing the west.

- They live on the west side of the city near the park.
- The west wing of the hospital was recently renovated to include a state-of-the-art surgical suite.

### 4. origin of wind

adjective · CEFR B1

coming from the west.

For teachers: referring to a wind blowing from the west toward the east.

- A cold west wind blew across the lake all afternoon.
- The prevailing west winds in this region often bring moisture from the ocean, resulting in frequent rainfall.

### 5. movement toward the west

adverb · CEFR A2

toward the west.

For teachers: in a westward direction or toward the west.

- We drove west for three hours until we reached the coast.
- The pioneers travelled west across the plains in search of fertile land and new opportunities.

## Examples

- The sun sets in the west.
- The hikers checked their compass to ensure they were heading west toward the coast.
- The geopolitical divide between the East and the West has shifted significantly since the end of the twentieth century, reflecting new economic realities and alliances.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.