southeast

1 of 3

adverb

south·​east sau̇th-ˈēst 

nautical sau̇-ˈēst

: to, toward, or in the southeast

southeast

2 of 3

noun

1

a

: the general direction between south and east

b

: the point midway between the south and east compass points

2

Southeast : regions or countries lying to the southeast of a specified or implied point of orientation

southeast

3 of 3

adjective

1

: coming from the southeast

a southeast wind

2

: situated toward or at the southeast

the southeast corner

Examples of southeast in a Sentence

Adverb

It's a few miles southeast of here.

Noun

A mountain range is in the southeast of the country.

Rain is moving into the Southeast.

He grew up in the Southeast.

Adjective

My office is in the southeast corner of the building.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adverb

The earthquake struck at a depth of 5 miles, with its epicenter roughly 2 miles southeast of San Ramon. —Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 9 Nov. 2025

The 32-year-old mine pump technician from Tampa had taken off two days of work, bid his wife and four children farewell, and driven four hours southeast to downtown Miami to attend. —Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 8 Nov. 2025

Noun

Several precincts in the county’s southeast that opposed the tax skew more Republican than Democrat – but a couple skew more Democrat. —Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 7 Nov. 2025

Cold air sweeping southeast across Lake Superior or Lake Michigan often targets communities from Marquette and Traverse City to Muskegon and Holland. —Brandi D. Addison, Freep.com, 7 Nov. 2025

Adjective

The event also recognized women veterans representing cities throughout southeast Michigan, including Allen Park, Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, and Detroit. —Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 10 Nov. 2025

With cuisine drawn from various regions across Anatolia, especially its diverse southeast region, the menu is constantly shifting and incorporating seasonal produce. —Katie Nadworny, Travel + Leisure, 8 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

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

Phrases Containing southeast

• east-southeast
• southeast by east
• southeast by south
• south-southeast

Rhymes for southeast

• deceased
• decreased
• increased
• northeast
• policed
• released
• beast
• ceased
• creased
• east
• feast
• fleeced

Kids Definition

southeast

1 of 3 adverb

south·​east sau̇-ˈthēst 

nautical sau̇-ˈēst

: to or toward the southeast

southeast

2 of 3 noun

1

: the direction between south and east

2

capitalized : regions or countries southeast of a point that is mentioned or understood

southeast

3 of 3 adjective

1

: situated toward or at the southeast

the southeast corner

2

: coming from the southeast

a southeast wind