easterly

1 of 2

adjective or adverb

east·​er·​ly ˈē-stər-lē 

1

: situated toward or belonging to the east

the easterly shore of the lake

2

: coming from the east

an easterly storm

easterly

2 of 2

noun

plural easterlies

: a wind from the east

Examples of easterly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective or adverb

The Bay Area Air District said Wednesday that a high-pressure system over the region is keeping air pollution trapped near the ground, and easterly winds could also bring in pollution from the Central Valley. —Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026

However, the most easterly island in the Caribbean is more than just a destination for savoring a rum punch with toes in the sand. —Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 22 Dec. 2025

Noun

The storm will bring strong, north-easterly winds, with gusts between 55 mph and 60 mph expected across the state. —Eryn Dion, The Providence Journal, 22 Feb. 2026

Forecasters say totals of 10 to 18 inches are possible in portions of northeastern Minnesota, with localized totals over 24 inches possible, along with easterly wind gusts up to 60 mph. —Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective or adverb

obsolete easter eastern

First Known Use

Adjective Or Adverb

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

Noun

1837, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for easterly

• northeasterly
• southeasterly

Kids Definition

easterly

adverb or adjective

east·​er·​ly

ˈē-stər-lē

1

: toward the east

they sailed easterly

2

: from the east

an easterly storm