easterly

[ee-ster-lee]

adjective

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

   an easterly course.

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

   an easterly gale.

adverb

1. toward the east.

2. from the east.

noun

plural

easterlies 

1. a wind that blows from the east.

easterly

/ ˈiːstəlɪ /

adjective

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

adverb

1. towards or in the direction of the east

2. from the east

   an easterly wind

noun

1. a wind from the east

easterly

1. A wind, especially a prevailing wind, that blows from the east. The trade winds in tropical regions and the prevailing winds in the polar regions are easterlies.

2. See illustration at wind

Other Word Forms

• easterliness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of easterly¹

1540–50; obsolete easter eastern ( easterling ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Since 2011, scientists have tracked the recurring appearance of the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt, a massive band of gulfweed that moves from the equator toward the Caribbean during periods of strong easterly winds.

Read more on Science Daily

Strong easterly winds and thunderstorms are expected throughout parts of the UK later on Friday.

Read more on BBC

There will be some flooding and difficult travelling conditions with a strong easterly wind also developing through the day.

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As high pressure has pushed eastwards, the UK has been drawing in some very warm air on a southerly to south easterly wind from the European continent, where temperatures have been particularly high.

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However, for eastern parts of England, an easterly breeze will bring slightly cooler temperatures though most areas will still meet heatwave thresholds.

Read more on BBC