leeward

1 of 2

noun

lee·​ward ˈlē-wərd How to pronounce leeward (audio)
especially nautical
ˈlü-ərd How to pronounce leeward (audio)
: 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

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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Noun
The atypical wind direction can pose a specific risk for boats and maritime infrastructure, as harbors that are usually well protected on the leeward side of the Channel Islands are suddenly exposed to forceful gusts and waves. Ned Kleiner, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2024 This produces drier conditions on the leeward side of the mountains, which is evident in the satellite image below. Marshall Shepherd, Forbes, 3 Sep. 2024
Adjective
And to make things worse, the loss of clouds on the leeward side of the mountains can lead to sunnier conditions, heating things up even more, Datta says. Tom Yulsman, Discover Magazine, 12 Feb. 2022 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 See all Example Sentences for leeward 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1549, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1630, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of leeward was in 1549

Dictionary Entries Near leeward

Cite this Entry

“Leeward.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leeward. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

leeward

1 of 2 noun
lee·​ward ˈlē-wərd How to pronounce leeward (audio)
especially among sailors
ˈlü-ərd How to pronounce leeward (audio)
: the lee side

leeward

2 of 2 adjective
: located away from the wind : downwind
the leeward side of the ship

More from Merriam-Webster on leeward

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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