northern

American  

[nawr-thern] / ˈnɔr ðərn /

adjective

1. lying toward or situated in the north.

2. directed or proceeding northward.

3. coming from the north, as a wind.

4. Often Northern of or relating to the North, especially the northern United States.

5. Astronomy. north of the celestial equator or of the zodiac.

   a northern constellation.

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noun

1. a person living in a northern region or country.

2. Northern, a steam locomotive having a four-wheeled front truck, eight driving wheels, and a four-wheeled rear truck.

northern British  

/ ˈnɔːðən /

adjective

1. situated in or towards the north

   northern towns

2. directed or proceeding towards the north

   a northern flow of traffic

3. (esp of winds) proceeding from the north

4. (sometimes capital) of, relating to, or characteristic of the north or North

5. (sometimes capital) astronomy north of the celestial equator

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• unnorthern
  adjective
• northernness
  noun
• pro-Northern
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of northern

First recorded before 900; Middle English, Old English; see north, -ern

Example Sentences

Some 30% of globally traded urea passes through a closed chokepoint, and that closure coincides with the Northern Hemisphere’s planting season.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

Its target on the stock falls to A$21.60 from A$22.30 after an update to Northern Star’s reserves and resources.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 2026

Dumped dead animals are a "shameful, regular sight" in rural rivers and watercourses in parts of Northern Ireland.

From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026

Northern Command, which oversees the Joint Task Force, said questions should be directed to the Department of Homeland Security because they directed the Department of Defense to install the wire.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 3, 2026

Northern emancipation was complete, but freedom remained elusive.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander