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

Measurements show that the inner core rotates in an easterly direction, just like Earth itself, but the molten metal of the outer core tends to flow westward. —Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 22 May 2026

This week saw a new twist: a balloon launch system for Hornets which carries the drones on the convenient prevailing easterly winds and can increase range by a factor of two or more. —David Hambling, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026

Noun

As a result, El Niño years often bring fewer named storms, a lower chance of major hurricanes, and reduced development from African easterly waves moving off the coast of Africa. —Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 1 June 2026

On the south-easterly tip of its Marina District, the two towers of Rosewood Doha emerge, seemingly from the sea, encased in a striking white latticed facade inspired by the forms of a coral reef. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 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