leeward

1 of 2

noun

lee·​ward ˈlē-wərd 

especially nautical

ˈlü-ərd 

: the lee side

leeward

2 of 2

adjective

: being in or facing the direction toward which the wind is blowing

also : being the side opposite the windward

Synonyms

Adjective

• downwind

Examples of leeward in a Sentence

Noun

We turned the boat to leeward.

Adjective

the leeward side of the island

we moved to the leeward side of the ship so that we wouldn't have the wind in our faces

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The atypical wind direction can pose a specific risk for boats and maritime infrastructure, as harbors that are usually well protected on the leeward side of the Channel Islands are suddenly exposed to forceful gusts and waves. —Ned Kleiner, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2024

This produces drier conditions on the leeward side of the mountains, which is evident in the satellite image below. —Marshall Shepherd, Forbes, 3 Sep. 2024

Adjective

And to make things worse, the loss of clouds on the leeward side of the mountains can lead to sunnier conditions, heating things up even more, Datta says. —Tom Yulsman, Discover Magazine, 12 Feb. 2022

The different wind directions bring lake effect snow to different towns on the leeward side of the lakes. —Dave Epstein, BostonGlobe.com, 17 Nov. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1549, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1630, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

leeward

1 of 2 noun

lee·​ward ˈlē-wərd 

especially among sailors

ˈlü-ərd 

: the lee side

leeward

2 of 2 adjective

: located away from the wind : downwind

the leeward side of the ship