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

The southerly wind will gust up to 20 mph and continue to pump in moisture from the Gulf. — Lauren Bostwick, CBS News, 15 Aug. 2026

The reason is rather fascinating; last week’s passing of Tropical Storm Elida to the west created a consistent stretch of southerly winds all along the coast. — Sean MacAday, Sacbee.com, 24 July 2026

Noun

Wednesday is expected to be sunny as well but breezier, with temperatures rising to around 89 buffeted by southwesterly then southerly winds of up to 11 mph and gusts as high as 18 mph. — The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Sun, 7 Sep. 2026

The beach hazard statements have been in effect mainly due to the strong southerly swells brought by storms that have been ongoing in the south Pacific, sending waves of energy that slam into the West Coast. — CBS News, 12 July 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