eastern

adjective

east·​ern ˈē-stərn 

1

Eastern : of, relating to, or characteristic of a region conventionally designated East

2

Eastern

a

: of, relating to, or being the Christian churches originating in the church of the Eastern Roman Empire

b

: eastern orthodox

3

a

: lying toward the east

b

: coming from the east

an eastern wind

Examples of eastern in a Sentence

They live in the eastern part of the state.

the eastern shore of the river

Recent Examples on the Web

At the beginning of the Iron Age, Phoenicians set out westwards, searching for valuable natural resources to be brought back and traded in the urbanized world of the eastern Mediterranean. —Literary Hub, 15 Jan. 2026

Almquist said California’s staple agricultural products are the source of strength for the Port of Oakland that other ports along the eastern seaboard do not have. —Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 14 Jan. 2026

Between early December and late February, the eastern end of Upper Red Lake will attract 65,000 to 85,000 anglers, who will fish a combined total of two million hours. —Stephanie Pearson, Outside, 14 Jan. 2026

The northwestern and southwestern Pacific, the northeastern Atlantic, far eastern and northwestern Europe and central Asia also saw record-high annual temperatures. —Simmone Shah, Time, 14 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English estern, from Old English ēasterne; akin to Old High German ōstrōni eastern, Old English ēast east

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing eastern

• eastern bluebird
• eastern equine encephalitis
• eastern equine encephalomyelitis
• eastern hemisphere
• eastern rat snake
• eastern time
• eastern white pine

Rhymes for eastern

• northeastern
• southeastern

Kids Definition

eastern

adjective

east·​ern ˈē-stərn 

1

capitalized : of, relating to, or like that of the East

Eastern religion

2

: lying toward or coming from the east

easternmost

-ˌmōst 

adjective