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

northerlies plural

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

Derived Forms

• northerliness
  noun

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• northerlies
  plural

Etymology

Origin of northerly

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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

northerly northerlies

Elida began moving in a more northerly direction a few days ago, and is expected to cause high surf.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 20, 2026

But the third heatwave of 2026 is now easing as northerly winds introduce some fresher air - although most places still won't have any significant rainfall.

From BBC ● Jul. 19, 2026

Winds are expected to become more northerly this weekend, meaning a slight dip in temperatures for many places.

From BBC ● Jul. 16, 2026

Computer weather models show a likely trend to more northerly winds this coming weekend, which will bring a drop in temperature.

From BBC ● Jul. 12, 2026

Second, the Greeks knew from their travels that the North Star appeared lower in the sky when viewed in the south than it did in more northerly regions.

From "A Brief History of Time: And Other Essays" by Stephen Hawking

There are hints that cold northerlies could return in mid-February, increasing the risk of seeing snow showers.

From BBC ● Jan. 26, 2024

The northerlies are the troublemakers, kicking up the Gulf Stream into fearsome lumps that sometimes keep the commercial boats at home.

From Time Magazine Archive