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

As the rain moves south, winds will turn northerly later, causing temperatures to drop.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

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

Behind it, the winds will turn northerly bringing a surge of cold air, with temperatures expected to fall below the seasonal average in many locations.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

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

From BBC • Feb. 10, 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