leeward

American  

[lee-werd, loo-erd] / ˈli wərd, ˈlu ərd /

adjective

1. pertaining to, situated in, or moving toward the quarter toward which the wind blows (windward ).

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noun

1. the lee side; the point or quarter toward which the wind blows.

adverb

1. toward the lee.

leeward British  

/ ˈluːəd, ˈliːwəd /

adjective

1. of, in, or moving to the quarter towards which the wind blows

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noun

1. the point or quarter towards which the wind blows

2. the side towards the lee

adverb

1. towards the lee

Other Word Forms

• leewardly adverb

Etymology

Origin of leeward

First recorded in 1540–50; lee + -ward

Explanation

The adjective leeward describes an area or side of a boat that's facing away from the wind. If you move to the leeward side of your sailboat, you're shifting to the sheltered, downwind side. You're likely to hear the word leeward when you're on a boat, since wind direction is hugely important when you're sailing. You can, however, use it to describe any area that's protected from the wind, even when you're on land. Your tent might fare best if you pitch it on the leeward side of a valley, for example. The lee part of leeward comes from the Old English hleo, which means "shelter, defense, or protection."

Example Sentences

The drier air then travels down the leeward side of the mountain where it warms.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026

My father was clambering to get us leeward against capsize when my mother took to the starboard bow.

From Salon • May 11, 2024

“Although an area of showers is moving over the islands this morning, it has not brought significant rainfall to leeward areas,” the latest weather service warning said.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 14, 2023

Henken was injured during the third fleet race Saturday when the American catamaran crashed off its foils and buried the leeward hull in the water.

From Washington Times • Sep. 24, 2023

The door was leeward, but we all knew that later the wind would shift.

From "Jacob Have I Loved" by Katherine Paterson