1
: situated toward or at the west
the west exit
2
: coming from the west
a west wind
1
a
: the general direction of sunset : the direction to the left of one facing north
b
: the compass point directly opposite to east
2
West
a
: regions or countries lying to the west of a specified or implied point of orientation
b
: the noncommunist countries of Europe and America
3
: the end of a church opposite the chancel
4
often West
a
: the one of four positions at 90-degree intervals that lies to the west or at the left of a diagram
b
: a person (such as a bridge player) occupying this position during a specified activity
Examples of west in a Sentence
Adverb
They drove west after they got off the highway.
They live just west of here.
Adjective
cities on the west coast
Noun
There's a beautiful pond to the west of the trail.
We will be traveling into the city from the west.
If that way is east, then this way is west.
Floods have caused extensive damage in the West.
Come explore the natural wonders of the American West.
policies foreign to the West
Recent Examples on the Web
John Wenzel, Denver Post, 16 Apr. 2026
The Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnel, located about 60 miles west of Denver on Interstate 70, is a key connection for motorists traveling from the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains to the western slope, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation.
—Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2026
Matthew Ablon, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026
Hail, thunderstorm and a possible tornado are in the forecast for later on Monday for southern Minnesota, including the Twin Cities, as well as west-central Wisconsin, according to the National Weather Service.
—Pioneer Press, Twin Cities, 13 Apr. 2026
Michael Autovino, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026
The crashes unfolded in the Rocky Mountains west of Denver, specifically near Loveland Ski Area, and followed a chaotic morning that saw six separate wrecks, mostly along the same highway, according to the Clear Creek County Sheriff's Office.
—Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for west
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Adverb
Following a season pass-holder preview last week, the theme park just west of downtown Denver reopens to the public for limited dates starting Saturday, April 18, and Sunday, April 19.
—John Wenzel, Denver Post, 16 Apr. 2026
The Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnel, located about 60 miles west of Denver on Interstate 70, is a key connection for motorists traveling from the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains to the western slope, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation.
—Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
During and beyond her four-year term, Martinez became an advocate and ambassador, representing her neighbors in Little Mexico and across west Dallas.
—Matthew Ablon, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026
Hail, thunderstorm and a possible tornado are in the forecast for later on Monday for southern Minnesota, including the Twin Cities, as well as west-central Wisconsin, according to the National Weather Service.
—Pioneer Press, Twin Cities, 13 Apr. 2026
Noun
The severe threat is conditional as the dryline remains out west.
—Michael Autovino, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026
The crashes unfolded in the Rocky Mountains west of Denver, specifically near Loveland Ski Area, and followed a chaotic morning that saw six separate wrecks, mostly along the same highway, according to the Clear Creek County Sheriff's Office.
—Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for west
Cite this Entry
“West.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/west. Accessed 19 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
west
1 of 3 adverb
: to or toward the west
west
2 of 3 adjective1
: situated toward or at the west
the west entrance
2
: coming from the west
a west wind
west
3 of 3 noun1
: the direction of sunset : the compass point opposite to east
2
capitalized
a
: regions or countries west of a point that is mentioned or understood
b
: the countries of Europe and the Americas that are not communist
Biographical Definition
West
2 of 4biographical name (2)
Nathanael 1903–1940 originally Nathan Wallenstein Weinstein American novelist
West
3 of 4biographical name (3)
Dame Rebecca 1892–1983 pseudonym of Cicily Isabel Andrews née Fairfield English critic and novelist
West
4 of 4biographical name (4)
Thomas see de la warr
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