northeasterly

American  

[nawrth-ee-ster-lee, nawr-ee-ster-lee] / ˌnɔrθˈi stər li, ˌnɔrˈi stər li /

adjective

1. of or located in the northeast.

2. toward or from the northeast.

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adverb

1. toward or from the northeast.

northeasterly British  

/ ˌnɔːθˈiːstəlɪ, ˌnɔːrˈiːstəlɪ /

adjective

1. in, towards, or (esp of a wind) from the northeast

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noun

1. a wind or storm from the northeast

Etymology

Origin of northeasterly

First recorded in 1730–40; north + easterly

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

northeasterly

New York, Boston and Philadelphia were all in the firing line of the "Nor'easter" -- so labeled for its northeasterly winds -- as authorities warned of potential flooding, downed trees and damaged power lines.

From Barron's ● Sep. 25, 2026

And a strong north to northeasterly wind will develop later on Saturday into Sunday, especially in eastern England where gusts of up to 50-60mph are possible.

From BBC ● Nov. 27, 2025

Strong northeasterly winds, including gusts up to 20 mph, carried a stream of unhealthy fine particulate pollution for several dozen miles, casting a toxic haze over downtown Los Angeles, Compton and Long Beach.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 10, 2025

This morning, I walked outside to temps in the mid-70’s and a sweet northeasterly breeze.

From Salon ● Sep. 12, 2024

The Appalachian Trail runs for 230 miles in a northeasterly arc across the state, like the broad end of a slice of pie.

From "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson

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