easterly

American  

[ee-ster-lee] / ˈi stər li /

adjective

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

   an easterly course.

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

   an easterly gale.

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adverb

1. toward the east.

2. from the east.

noun

plural

easterlies

1. a wind that blows from the east.

easterly British  

/ ˈiːstəlɪ /

adjective

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

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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 Scientific  

/ ē′stər-lē /

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

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Other Word Forms

• easterliness noun

Etymology

Origin of easterly

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

Example Sentences

It was driven by strong easterly Santa Ana winds of 30 to 40 mph.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

Her mouth often pulls to the right when she speaks, her admirable non-native English tugged easterly in a Finnish accent.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2026

The easterly wind will also likely bring occasional wintry showers, with snow for some parts of the UK.

From BBC • Jan. 22, 2026

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.

From Science Daily • Nov. 19, 2025

Some said the man was still alive, deep in the bowels of easterly Rock.

From "A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin