northerly

American  

[nawr-ther-lee] / ˈnɔr ðər li /

adjective

1. moving, directed, or situated toward the north.

2. (especially of a wind) coming from the north.

   a northerly gale.

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adverb

1. toward the north.

2. from the north.

noun

plural

northerlies

1. a wind that blows from the north.

northerly British  

/ ˈnɔːðəlɪ /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or situated in the north

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adverb

1. towards or in the direction of the north

2. from the north

   a northerly wind

noun

1. a wind from the north

Other Word Forms

• northerliness noun

Etymology

Origin of northerly

1545–55; north + -erly, modeled on easterly

Example Sentences

Strong northerly winds will sweep across the country, bringing blustery showers of rain, sleet, and hail, with snow over higher ground.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

"This finally breaks, allowing a northerly air mass to set in, bringing much drier, brighter conditions, sunshine on the way on Friday and Saturday and a few wintry showers on Friday."

From BBC • Feb. 12, 2026

Low pressure makes some progress eastward on Saturday which will lead to a northerly wind.

From BBC • Feb. 10, 2026

When the darkness descended on Britain's most northerly islands on Tuesday, the Jarl Squad was joined by more than 40 other torch-clutching groups of revellers for the evening procession - the festival's main event.

From BBC • Jan. 27, 2026

Could the Khoisan, too, have been originally more widespread until their more northerly populations were somehow eliminated?

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond