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

Renowned walker Cameron McNeish chronicled his journey from the most northerly point, Rubha Hunish, along the Trotternish Ridge, through the iconic Cuillin hills, to finish 70 miles away at Broadford.

From BBC ● Aug. 8, 2026

The fire in France's southwest Gironde region started with northerly winds, then westerly, then southerly, then easterly, then back again to the south, then the west...

From Barron's ● Jul. 27, 2026

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

A change is due to a northerly wind as the area of high pressure shifts position.

From BBC ● Jul. 15, 2026

The whole statue had acquired around its northerly surfaces a bluish-green patina, so that from certain approaches, and in low light, the muscle-bound Triton really seemed a hundred leagues under the sea.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan

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