northerly

1 of 2

adjective or adverb

north·​er·​ly ˈnȯr-t͟hər-lē 

1

: situated toward or belonging to the north

the northerly border

2

: coming from the north

a northerly wind

northerly

2 of 2

noun

plural northerlies

: a wind from the north

Examples of northerly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective or adverb

The standstill is not just one day, but a period of about two years when the moon rises and sets at more northerly and southerly spots along the horizon than normal. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 June 2024

In terms of astronomy, the June solstice has to do with the tilt of the Earth's axis and an imaginary line circling the globe called the Tropic of Cancer, which marks the most northerly latitude where the sun can be directly overhead, according to NASA. —Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 19 June 2024

Noun

Only the strongest swimmers should consider cliff diving into the sea, which can become rough when northerlies blow through. —Helen Iatrou, Travel + Leisure, 20 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective or adverb

north entry 3 + -erly (as in easterly)

First Known Use

Adjective Or Adverb

circa 1544, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1895, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

northerly

1 of 2 adjective or adverb

north·​er·​ly ˈnȯr-t͟hər-lē 

1

: placed or lying toward the north

the northerly border

2

: coming from the north

a northerly wind

northerly

2 of 2 noun

plural northerlies

: a wind from the north