eastern

[ee-stern]

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.

eastern

/ ˈiːstən /

adjective

1. situated in or towards the east

2. facing or moving towards the east

Other Word Forms

• noneastern adjective
• pro-Eastern adjective
• uneastern adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of eastern¹

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

Example Sentences

Situated on Spain's eastern Mediterranean coast, Benidorm is one of the country's best-known tourist destinations, drawing close to three million visitors last year.

From BBC

The incursions have become most acute for countries on the EU's eastern flank, such as Poland and Estonia.

From BBC

He said he had heard of a community of chimpanzees on the rugged eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika where an intrepid researcher might make valuable discoveries.

From Los Angeles Times

The incursions have become most acute for countries on the EU's eastern flank such as Poland and Estonia.

From BBC

The charges concern accusations that Kabila has been supporting the M23, a rebel group who have wreaked devastation across the country's eastern region.

From BBC