northerly

[nawr-ther-lee]

adjective

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

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

   a northerly gale.

adverb

1. toward the north.

2. from the north.

noun

plural

northerlies 

1. a wind that blows from the north.

northerly

/ ˈnɔːðəlɪ /

adjective

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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of northerly¹

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

Example Sentences

Instead of sprinting for the Soo Locks in a race to beat the storm, he became cautious, trying to avoid the brunt of it by taking a longer northerly course.

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Brisk northerly winds will develop for the second half of the weekend bringing much cooler air southwards.

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Although northerly winds are expected to develop over the weekend bringing a return of cooler conditions - and probably more rain.

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This will give rise to a north-easterly or northerly air flow and whilst it will be warm for many, this will more likely be in central and western areas of the UK.

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Shetland Islands Council says it is pushing ahead with plans to build tunnels to four outlying isles in the archipelago including Unst, the most northerly place in the UK.

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