leeward

American  

[lee-werd, loo-erd] / ˈli wərd, ˈlu ərd /

adjective

1. pertaining to, situated in, or moving toward the quarter toward which the wind blows (opposed to windward).

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noun

1. the lee side; the point or quarter toward which the wind blows.

adverb

1. toward the lee.

leeward British  

/ ˈluːəd, ˈliːwəd /

adjective

1. of, in, or moving to the quarter towards which the wind blows

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noun

1. the point or quarter towards which the wind blows

2. the side towards the lee

adverb

1. towards the lee

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• leewardly
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of leeward

First recorded in 1540–50; lee + -ward

Explanation

The adjective leeward describes an area or side of a boat that's facing away from the wind. If you move to the leeward side of your sailboat, you're shifting to the sheltered, downwind side. You're likely to hear the word leeward when you're on a boat, since wind direction is hugely important when you're sailing. You can, however, use it to describe any area that's protected from the wind, even when you're on land. Your tent might fare best if you pitch it on the leeward side of a valley, for example. The lee part of leeward comes from the Old English hleo, which means "shelter, defense, or protection."

Example Sentences

Tammy was forecast to strengthen gradually as it moved toward the Leeward Islands this weekend and could reach hurricane strength by Saturday as it passes Barbuda and St. Martin.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 19, 2023

Tammy is expected to initially spread heavy rains over the northern Windward and Leeward Islands through Friday and then across the U.S. and British Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico over the weekend, forecasters said.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 18, 2023

For now, forecasters warned the Leeward Islands, where the Caribbean and Atlantic join, to be on the alert.

From BBC • Sep. 6, 2023

NextEra Energy Resources subsidiary Boulevard Associates, and Leeward Renewable Energy subsidiary Silver Star Solar picked up the remaining two parcels, with winning bids of $21 million and $2.3 million, respectively, BLM said.

From Reuters • Jun. 28, 2023

Byam, be my Executors in trust for the performance of what is to be done with my estate in the Leeward Islands; and that Micajah Perry, Esq.,

From Antigua and the Antiguans, Volume II (of 2) A full account of the colony and its inhabitants from the time of the Caribs to the present day by Anonymous