down East

American  

[doun eest] / ˈdaʊn ˈist /

noun

1. New England.

2. the state of Maine.

3. Canadian. the Atlantic Provinces.

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adverb

1. in, to, or into New England.

2. in, to, or into the state of Maine.

3. Canadian. in, to, or into the Atlantic Provinces.

Etymology

Origin of down East

An Americanism dating back to 1810–20

Example Sentences

Remember the dockworker strike two years ago orchestrated by the International Longshoreman’s Association that shut down East and Gulf Coast ports?

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

In light traffic, we made our way past Lewiston High, down East Avenue and Lisbon Street, Lewiston Strong stickers adorning the rear windshields of many cars.

From Slate • Dec. 4, 2024

Capitol down East Capitol Street, according to a profile in Omaha Magazine.

From Washington Times • Jun. 7, 2023

Witnesses described seeing teenagers running from the scene and also said a male suspect fled down East Jefferson Street, according to Seattle police.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 3, 2021

We were in the Central Park Zoo, then zooming down East 60th, past Bloomingdale’s, then turning on Third Avenue.

From "The Last Olympian" by Rick Riordan