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

The ancient Lycians ruled modern-day Turkey’s southwestern corner more than 2,000 years ago, but their legacy endures in the spectacular cities of the dead still carved into the region’s cliffs. —Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 17 May 2025

Which Areas Could be Hit By Thunderstorms The outlet also forecasts a high-risk zone for Friday, encompassing parts of southwestern Illinois, southern Indiana, western Kentucky, southeastern Missouri, and northwestern Tennessee. —Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025

Big Timber Creek is a 5.6-mile-long tributary of the Delaware River in southwestern New Jersey that borders Gloucester and Camden counties. —Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 15 May 2025

Extra moisture on West Coast allowing climate-sensitive Joshua trees to recover: Experts Known for its twisted stalks and unusual outline, the Joshua tree is native to the arid southwestern U.S. and thrives in harsh desert environments. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 14 May 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