-ern

1. an adjective suffix occurring with names of directions:

   northern; southern.

Word History and Origins

Origin of -ern¹

Middle English, Old English -erne; cognate with Old High German -rōni (as in nordrōni northern)

Example Sentences

I reckon it'll be a stuffed fox your chil'ern 'll hunt, Mr. Steeve; more straw in 'em than bow'ls.

From Project Gutenberg

I have a pig with a hole in it and if I ern enuf money next weak I will send it to you.

From Project Gutenberg

In early England it is clear that the prevalent crop was barley, for barn is the bere-ern or barley-house.

From Project Gutenberg

"Seems to me you picked up a lot of silly rot on this trip East, Ern," said Roger.

From Project Gutenberg

Of course I didn't confess my hu-mil-i-a-tion; I intimated that it was simply something a North-ern-er can't un-der-stand.

From Project Gutenberg