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

The final product is a Southwestern desert vibe with a luxe, Palm Springs twist; effortlessly blending sepia photos, raw materials, colorful decor, and contemporary comforts. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Feb. 2026

Opt for the red mulberry (Morus rubra), native to the eastern United States, or the Texas mulberry (Morus microphylla), native to the southwestern United States, and steer clear of the invasive white mulberry (Morus alba). —Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Feb. 2026

Doñana National Park is a vast wetland system in southwestern Spain that supports one of the continent's richest ecosystems and plays a critical role in European and African bird migration and breeding. —Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 20 Feb. 2026

Her work has strengthened her bond with Arizona and the Latino audience in the southwestern United States, which will now see her face the challenge of the television lockdown. —Nadia Cantú, AZCentral.com, 18 Feb. 2026

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