northing

American  

[nawr-thing, -thing] / ˈnɔr θɪŋ, -ðɪŋ /

noun

Navigation.

1. northward movement or deviation.

2. distance due north made on any course tending northward.

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northing British  

/ ˈnɔːθɪŋ, -ðɪŋ /

noun

1. nautical movement or distance covered in a northerly direction, esp as expressed in the resulting difference in latitude

2. astronomy a north or positive declination

3. cartography

   1. the distance northwards of a point from a given parallel indicated by the second half of a map grid reference

   2. a latitudinal grid line Compare easting

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Etymology

Origin of northing

First recorded in 1660–70; north + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Other ships would be in the latitude of Cape Town, and if we could make the northing, we might raise one and be picked up.

From Mr. Trunnell, Mate of the Ship "Pirate" by Hains, T. Jenkins (Thornton Jenkins)

He swung her about, a ticklish feat, and paralleled the beach to the north, and just off the beach, after an hour of northing, he spied the distress signals—two, three, yes, and four big torches.

From Wide Courses by Connolly, James B. (James Brendan)

He'll make no very high northing, not above eighty-five.

From A Man's Woman by Norris, Frank

"Make your northing, and then we'll cruise around a little and see what's best to be done."

From The Second Deluge by Serviss, Garrett Putman

Now, I pull my traps right down past there every day," said an old lobster fisherman, "and I swanny I ain't never seen northing of this here pesky critter.

From Frank Merriwell's Cruise by Standish, Burt L.