leeward

1 of 2

noun

lee·​ward ˈlē-wərd 

especially nautical

ˈlü-ərd 

: the lee side

leeward

2 of 2

adjective

: being in or facing the direction toward which the wind is blowing

also : being the side opposite the windward

Synonyms of leeward

Adjective

• downwind

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

Winds are ramping up across the state already with wind gusts up to 50 mph along ridge tops and wind prone, leeward areas of Oahu, Molokai, Lanai and Maui, the weather service said. — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2026

In this case, those most intense rains would be in areas near Hilo and Volcanoes National Park, while downsloping winds could be boosted on the leeward side near Kona. — Sean MacAday, Sacbee.com, 13 Aug. 2026

Adjective

Kona is the Hawaiian word for leeward and the activity often brings wind and rain to the leeward side of the islands. — Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026

The different wind directions bring lake effect snow to different towns on the leeward side of the lakes. — Dave Epstein, BostonGlobe.com, 17 Nov. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1549, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1630, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for leeward

• seaward

Kids Definition

leeward

1 of 2 noun

lee·​ward ˈlē-wərd 

especially among sailors

ˈlü-ərd 

: the lee side

leeward

2 of 2 adjective

: located away from the wind : downwind

the leeward side of the ship