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

Example Sentences

It says east to northeasterly winds will become particularly strong and gusty during Christmas Day, with peak gusts fairly widely of 45-55mph, and 55-65mph possible along some exposed coasts.

From BBC • Dec. 24, 2025

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

From Salon • Sep. 12, 2024

Saturday, with rapidly increasing, northeasterly winds bringing gusts up to 70 mph, said David Sweet, a meteorologist with the weather service in Oxnard.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 8, 2023

Investigators said the boat then traveled in a northeasterly direction, stopping in Hafendorf Wiek, or “Wiek harbor village,” on the northernmost part of Rügen island.

From Washington Post • Apr. 3, 2023

With a catbird diving at us to chase us away from his nest, we leave the mountaintop on a northeasterly course.

From "On the Far Side of the Mountain" by Jean Craighead George