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

Thanks to this mild microclimate, Lake Garda became the most northerly place in Europe to commercially produce lemons in the 18th century, with conservatories still in use on the western shore in towns like Limone sul Garda. — Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

June marks the beginning of winter there, so the Strawberry Moon rises much higher in the sky and appears more northerly. — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 26 June 2026

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