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leeward 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of leewardnext
as in downwind
being in the direction that the wind is blowing we moved to the leeward side of the ship so that we wouldn't have the wind in our faces

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leeward

2 of 2

noun

as in windward

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of leeward
Adjective
While most people think of Hawaii as a tropical place, the leeward side of the island is drier, and Hawaii has a year-round fire season, Walker explained. — Brisa Colon and Aya Elamroussi, CNN, 7 Aug. 2021 Further north, on the off-the-grid Cayo Frances, learn to fish from legendary fly fisherwoman Lori-Ann Murphy, and enjoy the placid, shallow waters of the leeward side of the island. — Ali Wunderman, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Jan. 2020
Noun
The Brazilians went for a tight gap at one of the leeward marks, trying to get ahead of Canada. — Andrew Rice, New York Times, 22 June 2026 My family in Honolulu and on the leeward side of the island was not evacuated, but one of my friends in Honolulu had to move out of her apartment due to flooding. — Chantell Murphy, Outside, 24 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for leeward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leeward
  1. downwind
  2. windward
  3. side
  4. flank
Adjective
  • Scientists have also found that wildfire smoke can alter lightning patterns in downwind thunderstorms.
    — Yunyao Li, The Conversation, 30 July 2026
  • This has the district encouraging people who live in the immediate area and in the downwind areas to remain indoors, keep windows and doors closed, and use air filtration.
    — Brandon Downs, CBS News, 12 June 2026
Definition of downwind
Noun
  • Rainfall predictions for this weekend for the southeast and windward sides of the Big Island were 5 to 10 inches (13 to 25 centimeters), with as much as 15 inches (38 centimeters) in isolated areas, Oswant said.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Aug. 2026
  • That storm dumped torrential rain — more than 3 feet in spots on the windward side of the island — that triggered damaging landslides and flash flooding that cut off small communities, destroyed homes and damaged critical infrastructure.
    — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of windward
Noun
  • Previous efforts to broker even a partial ceasefire have repeatedly fallen apart within hours, with both sides accusing each other of violations.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 15 Sep. 2026
  • In my experience, the strongest engagements begin when both sides understand what can be influenced, what cannot be controlled and how progress will be evaluated.
    — Scott Keever, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of side
Noun
  • Rather than playing as two traditional wingers, in this moment, both players were on the left flank.
    — Art de Roché, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Engine 39’s three-person crew includes a paramedic and can also staff a wildland fire engine, giving the department additional capacity to respond to wildfires near open and undeveloped land along the city’s eastern and southern flanks, Lawlor said.
    — Haley Parsley, Sacbee.com, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of flank

Browse Nearby Words

lees
leeward
leewards
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Cite this Entry

“Leeward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leeward. Accessed 17 Sep. 2026.

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