nor'easter

[ nawr-ee-ster ]

noun

, Meteorology.

1. an eastern North American storm that usually develops between the Georgia and New Jersey latitudes, progressing northeastward and typified by potentially violent northeast winds: most frequent and intense from September through April, nor’easters can develop within a hundred miles of the east coast and commonly bring heavy rain or snow and coastal damage:

   The nor’easter of 1992 breached the island and destroyed many homes.

Word History and Origins

Origin of nor'easter¹

First recorded in 1830–40; by shortening of northeaster

Example Sentences

Charlie Webster had hinted at a nor'easter—even a hurricane.

From Project Gutenberg

For the gray dog, racing like the Nor'easter over the sea, had already retrieved the fugitive.

From Project Gutenberg

A cold nor'easter compelled us to pass the night here, and a long wretched night it was.

From Project Gutenberg

It needed no seaman to prophecy the fate of a boat caught between that rock and a nor'easter.

From Project Gutenberg

But when I woke up at daylight and heard this nor'easter snortin' through the streets I couldn't stand it a mite longer.

From Project Gutenberg