1
: the direction where the sun rises : the direction that is the opposite of west
The city is framed by mountain ranges to the east and west.
The wind blew from the east.
Which way is east?
2
or the East
: regions or countries east of a certain point: such as
a
: the eastern part of the U.S.
This summer has been unusually hot in the East.
b
: the countries of Asia (such as Japan, China, and Korea)
always used before a noun
1
: lying toward or at the east
the east side of town
2
: coming from the east
an east wind
: to or toward the east
The ships sailed east. [=easterly, eastward]
Cite this Entry
“East.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/east. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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