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

According to the health department, there were multiple measles exposures last week in the southwestern part of the state, including at an elementary school, an urgent care facility, a pediatrician’s office and a pediatric dentistry. —Erika Edwards, NBC news, 18 Dec. 2025

The combination of howling winds and low humidity is expected to increase wildfire risk across east-central and southeastern Kansas, as well as central and southwestern Missouri. —Kansas City Star, 17 Dec. 2025

Posadas are a Catholic tradition prevalent in Mexico, other parts of Latin America, and the southwestern United States, which originated from the story of the journey Joseph and Mary embarked on while trying to get to Bethlehem before Jesus’ birth. —Paula Soria, AZCentral.com, 15 Dec. 2025

Offering a southwestern spin on holiday cheer, Santa Fe’s seasonal traditions are best experienced at the Canyon Road Farolito Walk. —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 14 Dec. 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