eastern

American  

[ee-stern] / ˈi stərn /

adjective

1. lying toward or situated in the east.

   the eastern half of the island.

2. directed or proceeding toward the east.

   an eastern route.

3. coming from the east.

   an eastern wind.

4. (often initial capital letter) of or relating to the East in the U.S..

   an eastern congressman.

5. (initial capital letter) of or relating to the Eastern Church or to any of the churches comprising it.

6. (usually initial capital letter) of, relating to, or characteristic of the East; Oriental.

7. (usually initial capital letter) (formerly) of or relating to the Soviet Union and its allies.

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eastern British  

/ ˈiːstən /

adjective

1. situated in or towards the east

2. facing or moving towards the east

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• uneastern
  adjective
• noneastern
  adjective
• pro-Eastern
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of eastern

before 1000; Middle English esterne, Old English ēasterne; akin to Old Norse austroenn, Old High German ōstrōni. See east , -ern

Example Sentences

A California couple attacked by a bear outside their eastern Sierra Nevada home have survived the encounter after fighting off the animal with a water bottle and a hatchet, authorities said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

Some 7 million people are displaced within Congo, mostly in the eastern provinces, of which Ituri is one.

From Slate • Jun. 9, 2026

An Ebola outbreak raging in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has made it even more urgent to broker a ceasefire for the conflict-ravaged region, the European Union's crisis management commissioner said during a visit Sunday.

From Barron's • Jun. 7, 2026

It also comes a week after two people were injured when a drone hit a Romanian apartment block in the eastern city of Galati - close to the border with Ukraine.

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026

Near the lower end, by the eastern shore, he found a huge watch with a chain, and an enormous book.

From "Abel's Island" by William Steig