southerly

1 of 2

adjective or adverb

south·​er·​ly ˈsə-t͟hər-lē 

1

: situated toward or belonging to the south

the southerly shore of the lake

2

: coming from the south

a southerly wind

southerly

2 of 2

noun

plural southerlies

: a wind from the south

Examples of southerly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective or adverb

These southerly winds will help to warm us up into the middle 80s. —Michael Autovino, CBS News, 4 May 2026

Ahead of it, warm, humid air will surge in, pushing dew points into the low to mid-60s across the Kansas City metro, along with southerly gusts up to 30 to 35 mph. —Kansas City Star, 22 Apr. 2026

Noun

Mostly sunny skies and southerly winds will drive temperatures into the low to mid-80s on Saturday. —Kansas City Star, 8 May 2026

Tonight into Monday, high pressure shifts east and our wind direction will change from northerly to southerly. —Rachael Jay, CBS News, 3 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective or adverb

south entry 3 + -erly (as in easterly)

First Known Use

Adjective Or Adverb

1550, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun

1837, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for southerly

• brotherly
• motherly

Kids Definition

southerly

adverb or adjective

south·​er·​ly

ˈsət͟h-ər-lē

1

: toward the south

2

: coming from the south