eastern

adjective

east·​ern ˈē-stərn 

1

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

2

capitalized

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

In June, Norton Healthcare announced Norton Children's will build a new full-service pediatric hospital in eastern Jefferson County as part of a 156-acre pediatric care campus. —Olivia Evans, Louisville Courier Journal, 7 Oct. 2025

Miner preachers and independent churches were central to the organization of miners in eastern Kentucky in the 1930s, too, during another period of violence between mine operators and miners over conditions, wages and unionization. —The Conversation, 7 Oct. 2025

As the Northeast industrialized, agriculture moved west, eastern forests returned, and wildlife made a comeback. —Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 7 Oct. 2025

In addition, a hazardous weather outlook is in effect because frost could develop over the eastern UP and northern Lower Peninsula. —Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 7 Oct. 2025

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