northwestern

adjective

north·​west·​ern nȯr(th)-ˈwe-stərn 

1

often Northwestern : of, relating to, or characteristic of a region conventionally designated Northwest

2

: lying toward or coming from the northwest

northwesternmost

nȯr(th)-ˈwe-stərn-ˌmōst 

adjective

Examples of northwestern in a Sentence

the northwestern corner of the state

Recent Examples on the Web

Myrtle warblers in the northeast are known to winter along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, but where northwestern populations migrate has been more of a mystery. — Stephanie Szarmach, The Conversation, 8 Sep. 2026

Two Australian surfers, Dean Lucas and Adam Coleman, were murdered in 2015 while traveling through the northwestern state of Sinaloa. — CBS News, 8 Sep. 2026

Aidan Chiles threw for 273 yards and a touchdown and ran for a score in his Northwestern debut, and the Wildcats pulled away late to top FCS South Dakota State 34-18 at Martin Stadium in Evanston on Saturday night. — Scott Held, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026

The latest development came a day after the military said security forces killed 15 militants who were attempting to cross into northwestern Pakistan from Afghanistan. — ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for northwestern

• southwestern
• western

Kids Definition

northwestern

adjective

north·​west·​ern nȯrth-ˈwes-tərn 

1

often capitalized : of, relating to, or characteristic of the Northwest

2

: lying toward or coming from the northwest