southwestern

adjective

south·​west·​ern sau̇(th)-ˈwe-stərn 

1

: lying toward or coming from the southwest

2

often capitalized : of, relating to, or characteristic of a region conventionally designated Southwest

southwesternmost

sau̇(th)-ˈwe-stərn-ˌmōst 

adjective

Examples of southwestern in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The system was creating large but disorganized showers and storms, and could develop this weekend while quickly moving west over the western Caribbean or southwestern Gulf of Mexico, according to the hurricane center. —Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 27 June 2024

The two rustic Washington Harbor Camper Cabins, on the southwestern end, are the other option. —Stephanie Pearson, Travel + Leisure, 25 June 2024

The potential for flash flooding will expand into western Arizona, southern Nevada and southwestern Utah, forecasters said. —Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 25 June 2024

The Two-Mile Rapids is in southwestern Oregon, about a 180-mile drive southwest from Eugene. —Helena Wegner, Sacramento Bee, 25 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English sūth-westerne, from sūth south + westerne western

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing southwestern

• southwestern corn borer

Kids Definition

southwestern

adjective

south·​west·​ern sau̇(th)-ˈwes-tərn 

1

: lying toward or coming from the southwest

2

often capitalized : of, relating to, or characteristic of the Southwest