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

Many locations will likely see just plain rain, while the northwestern suburbs may see a period of light snow. —Matthew Villafane, CBS News, 7 Dec. 2025

French prosecutors told French media that none of the drones that flew near the Ile Longue submarine base in northwestern France had been shot down and none of their pilots identified. —Tim Lister, CNN Money, 6 Dec. 2025

Very heavy snow in the northwestern Wyoming ranges (Teton, Gros Ventre, Wyoming Range). —Associate News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025

Already, endangered species such as steelhead trout, California tiger salamanders and northwestern pond turtles have been observed around Alameda Creek. —Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 3 Dec. 2025

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