northerly

American  

[nawr-ther-lee] / ˈnɔr ðər li /

adjective

1. moving, directed, or situated toward the north.

2. (especially of a wind) coming from the north.

   a northerly gale.

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adverb

1. toward the north.

2. from the north.

noun

plural

northerlies

1. a wind that blows from the north.

northerly British  

/ ˈnɔːðəlɪ /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or situated in the north

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adverb

1. towards or in the direction of the north

2. from the north

   a northerly wind

noun

1. a wind from the north

Other Word Forms

• northerliness noun

Etymology

Origin of northerly

1545–55; north + -erly, modeled on easterly

Example Sentences

Because we’re on the south edge of the wilderness area we try to wait until there is a northerly breeze before we burn so the food smell will carry south, but it doesn’t always help.

From Literature

"This finally breaks, allowing a northerly air mass to set in, bringing much drier, brighter conditions, sunshine on the way on Friday and Saturday and a few wintry showers on Friday."

From BBC

Low pressure makes some progress eastward on Saturday which will lead to a northerly wind.

From BBC

When the darkness descended on Britain's most northerly islands on Tuesday, the Jarl Squad was joined by more than 40 other torch-clutching groups of revellers for the evening procession - the festival's main event.

From BBC

Further snow showers are expected for areas exposed to the northerly winds, especially northern Scotland, Northern Ireland, west Wales, south-west England and parts of eastern England.

From BBC