west by south

noun phrase

: a compass point that is one point south of due west : S78°45′W
west by south adverb phrase

Word History

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of west by south was in 1577

Dictionary Entries Near west by south

Cite this Entry

“West by south.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/west%20by%20south. Accessed 23 Mar. 2023.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!


Challenging Standardized Test Words

  • high school student holding a pencil leaning over a sat test
  • Despite the cacophony, the student tried to study.
Spell It

Hear a word and type it out. How many can you get right?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can with using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

Can you make 12 words with 7 letters?

PLAY