southwestern

adjective

south·​west·​ern sau̇(th)-ˈwe-stərn 

1

: lying toward or coming from the southwest

2

often capitalized : 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

On September 25, 2025, two earthquakes were recorded off the coast of southwestern Mexico. —Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025

In southwestern Bangladesh, JO-CREWSnet is experimenting with innovative solutions such as the Adaptation Fortress concept. —Elfatih Eltahir, Time, 24 Sep. 2025

In 2021 and 2022, the rotational approach focused testing in areas of both the southwestern and southeastern Lower Peninsula. —Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 24 Sep. 2025

The fossils were found along the southwestern shore of the Setúbal Peninsula, according to the paper. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2025

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