Definition

1. Noun:

   • The cardinal compass point that is at 0 or 360 degrees: The direction to your left when you face the rising sun.
   • A location in the northern part of a country, region, or city: The area that lies in the north.
   • The region of the United States lying north of the Mason-Dixon line: Historically, the non-slaveholding states in the American Civil War.

2. Adjective:

   • Situated in, facing, or moving toward the north: Describing something's position or direction relative to north.
   • Coming from the north: Describing something that originates from the north direction.

3. Adverb:

   • In a northern direction: Toward the north.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The compass needle always points to the north.
  • She lives in the north of the country.
  • The economy of the North was more industrial during the 19th century.

• Adjective:

  • They entered through the north gate.
  • A cold north wind began to blow.

• Adverb:

  • The birds fly north in the spring.
  • Continue driving north for five miles.

Advanced Usage

• "the north of": Used to specify a location relative to another place.

  • Edinburgh is in the north of Scotland.

• "to the north (of)": Indicates direction or position further north than a reference point.

  • Canada lies to the north of the United States.

• "up north": An informal phrase meaning in or to the northern part of a country or region.

  • They have a cabin up north where they go skiing.

Variants and Related Words

• Northward (adverb/adjective): Toward the north.

  • We traveled northward along the coast.

• Northern (adjective): Relating to or characteristic of the north.

  • She studies northern European languages.

• Northerly (adjective/adverb): Situated toward, facing, or coming from the north.

  • We set off in a northerly direction.
  • The storm is moving northerly.

Synonyms

• Northward: In a northerly direction.
• Northern: Of or relating to the north.

Related Phrases

• North by northeast (NbE): A compass point midway between north and northeast.
• North by northwest (NbW): A compass point midway between north and northwest.
• True north: The direction along the earth's surface toward the geographic North Pole.
• Magnetic north: The direction a compass needle points, toward the magnetic north pole.

Idioms

• "North of": (Informal) More than a specified amount, often used with numbers.

  • The repairs will cost north of a thousand dollars.

• "Lost in the north forty": (Chiefly US, informal) To be confused, disoriented, or inattentive. (Derived from the idea of a remote part of a farm).

  • Sorry, I was lost in the north forty; what did you say?

Adjective

1. situated in or facing or moving toward or coming from the north
   • artists like north light
   • the north portico

Noun

1. British statesman under George III whose policies led to rebellion in the American colonies (1732-1792)
2. the direction in which a compass needle points
3. the direction corresponding to the northward cardinal compass point
4. a location in the northern part of a country, region, or city
5. the cardinal compass point that is at 0 or 360 degrees
6. the United States (especially the northern states during the American Civil War)
   • he has visited every state in the Union
   • Lee hoped to detach Maryland from the Union
   • the North's superior resources turned the scale
7. the region of the United States lying to the north of the Mason-Dixon line

Adverb

1. in a northern direction
   • they earn more up north
   • Let's go north!