nor'easter

American  

[nawr-ee-ster] / ˌnɔrˈi stər /

noun

Meteorology.

1. an eastern North American storm that usually develops between the Georgia and New Jersey latitudes, progressing northeastward and typified by potentially violent northeast winds: most frequent and intense from September through April, nor’easters can develop within a hundred miles of the east coast and commonly bring heavy rain or snow and coastal damage.

   The nor’easter of 1992 breached the island and destroyed many homes.

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Etymology

Origin of nor'easter

First recorded in 1830–40; by shortening of northeaster

Example Sentences

The historic nor’easter that’s pounded every state from Maine to West Virginia may finally be over, but the cleanup certainly ain’t.

From Slate • Feb. 24, 2026

“It’s been a decade or so since we saw this much of a widespread nor’easter impact,” said Cody Snell, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center based in Maryland.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 23, 2026

It's expected to be the most powerful nor'easter storm in nearly a decade for many parts of the northeast, bringing snow, fierce winds and coastal flooding.

From BBC • Feb. 22, 2026

A nor’easter is now making its way over to the East Coast, with 50-mph gusts and inches of rainfall in store for New England.

From Slate • May 22, 2025

Something colder than a nor’easter settled in Nat’s chest.

From "Carry On, Mr. Bowditch" by Jean Lee Latham