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

Summer is also the hottest time of year, though cooling northerly winds can take the edge off. —Helen Iatrou, Travel + Leisure, 20 Apr. 2024

The storm was expected to weaken Sunday night into Monday, with the main focus remaining on gusty northerly winds across the L.A. County mountains, and a possible dusting of snow at high elevations along the Grapevine. —Hayley Smith, Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 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