southwestern

adjective

south·​west·​ern sau̇(th)-ˈwe-stərn 

1

: lying toward or coming from the southwest

2

often Southwestern : of, relating to, or characteristic of a region conventionally designated Southwest

southwesternmost

sau̇(th)-ˈwe-stərn-ˌmōst 

adjective

Examples of southwestern in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Blending Southwestern aesthetics with space-travel inspiration, this accommodation sports colonial-style French doors that open directly onto a private patio overlooking the terrace garden and pool. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Aug. 2026

The vessel has been grounded off Qabiliyah Island in southwestern Oman following an explosion of unclear cause in early June. — ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026

Police said the suspect in Elm Street stabbing was last seen running on the New Haven Green toward College Street and Chapel Street and appeared to be headed toward The Hill, New Haven’s southwestern-most neighborhood. — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026

Reata Restaurant Reata, the Southwestern-style steakhouse in downtown Fort Worth, has offers including a $59 carne asada with a cheese enchilada, plus appetizer and dessert. — Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English sūth-westerne, from sūth south + westerne western

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing southwestern

• southwestern corn borer

Rhymes for southwestern

• northwestern
• western

Kids Definition

southwestern

adjective

south·​west·​ern sau̇(th)-ˈwes-tərn 

1

: lying toward or coming from the southwest

2

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