leeward

noun

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lee·ward | \ ˈlē-wərd

, especially nautical ˈlü-ərd

Definition of leeward

(Entry 1 of 2)

: the lee side

leeward

adjective

Definition of leeward (Entry 2 of 2)

: being in or facing the direction toward which the wind is blowing also : being the side opposite the windward

Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about leeward

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Synonyms & Antonyms for leeward

Synonyms: Adjective

downwind

Antonyms: Adjective

upwind,
windward

Examples of leeward in a Sentence

Noun We turned the boat to leeward. Adjective the leeward side of the island we moved to the leeward side of the ship so that we wouldn't have the wind in our faces

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun In due course, these penguins also depart for the leeward side. — Quanta Magazine, "Math of the Penguins," 17 Aug. 2020 This penguin, known as the mover, waddles in search of new neighbors in the relative warmth of the huddle’s leeward side. — Quanta Magazine, "Math of the Penguins," 17 Aug. 2020 When fall storms approach from the northern Pacific Ocean, expect deer to become more active during midday, often seeking the leeward side of a slope. — Andrew Mckean, Outdoor Life, "3 Blacktail Hunts for the Earliest Fall Bucks," 14 Aug. 2020 Groups of twenty or more hares gather each winter to nibble heather on leeward slopes, where the snow tends to be shallower. — Popular Science, "Twelve powerful images to remind us how weird and wild the world is," 13 May 2020 Groups of 20 or more hares gather each winter to nibble heather on leeward slopes, where the snow tends to be shallower. — Alan Taylor, The Atlantic, "Winners of the 2020 BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition," 11 May 2020 In the normal sailing mode, the AC75 will skim above the waves on the leeward foil and rudder, with the windward foil raised out of the water to reduce drag. — Bernie Wilson, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Spray of champagne welcomes Britannia to America’s Cup waves," 4 Oct. 2019 Sunshine lights the steep slopes of the leeward, or downwind, faces, on the dunes’ lower sides. — Chris Ciaccia, Fox News, "Mars 'ghost' dunes may have evidence of alien life," 13 July 2018 Here, before the fire, 100 houses lay scattered across the leeward flank of the Sierra Nevada mountains. — Kendra Atleework, The Atlantic, "Power Lines Are Burning the West," 25 May 2018 Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective Further north, on the off-the-grid Cayo Frances, learn to fish from legendary fly fisherwoman Lori-Ann Murphy, and enjoy the placid, shallow waters of the leeward side of the island. — Ali Wunderman, Condé Nast Traveler, "Where to Find Belize's Adventurous Side, From Snorkeling to Hiking," 16 Jan. 2020 This means that the leeward side of these landforms is usually drier and often protected from the high wind. — Tim Macwelch, Outdoor Life, "9 Natural Shelters that will Save Your Life," 16 Jan. 2020 Hurricane Dorian is set to hit Puerto Rico’s leeward side later today, aiming to bring heavy rains and wind to the areas hardest hit by Hurricane Maria in 2017. — Ellen Mcgirt, Fortune, "What Would Help Puerto Rico?: raceAhead," 28 Aug. 2019 What that means is that for a steel structure, the leeward side of the back shell does not need any heat shielding. — Ryan D'agostino, Popular Mechanics, "Elon Musk: Why I'm Building the Starship out of Stainless Steel," 22 Jan. 2019 Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, Oahu This $800-million Disney beach resort opened in 2011 on the leeward side of Oahu. — Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, "The Best Resorts in Hawaii: 2018 Readers' Choice Awards," 9 Oct. 2018 One-design classes compete in two days windward-leeward races. — baltimoresun.com, "Recreation and outdoors calendar (July 15)," 14 July 2018 One-design classes compete in two days windward-leeward races. — baltimoresun.com, "Recreation and outdoors calendar (July 15)," 14 July 2018 One-design classes compete in two days windward-leeward races. — baltimoresun.com, "Recreation and outdoors calendar (July 15)," 14 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'leeward.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.