Definition

1. Adverb:

   • To, toward, or in the northwest: Used to indicate direction or location relative to the compass point between north and west.

2. Noun:

   • The compass point or direction midway between north and west: The point on the horizon at 315 degrees.
   • A region or part of a country, city, etc., situated in this direction: The northwestern part of an area.

3. Adjective:

   • Situated in, directed toward, or coming from the northwest: Describing something's location, orientation, or origin.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:

  • The storm is moving north-west. (Indicates the direction of movement.)
  • They sailed north-west for three days. (Indicates the direction of travel.)

• Noun:

  • The wind is coming from the north-west. (Refers to the compass direction.)
  • He grew up in the north-west of the country. (Refers to a region.)

• Adjective:

  • A north-west wind brought cooler air. (Describes the wind's origin.)
  • The north-west entrance is now closed. (Describes the location of the entrance.)

Advanced Usage

• Capitalization: When referring to a recognized, specific region (e.g., the Pacific Northwest), it is often capitalized as or .
  • She moved to the Northwest.
• "to the north-west of": A phrase used to describe something's location relative to another point.
  • The village lies to the north-west of the city.

Variants and Related Words

• Northwestern (adjective): Of or relating to the northwest.
  • the northwestern coastline
• Northwestward (adverb or adjective): Toward the northwest.
  • They traveled northwestward.
• Northwestwards (adverb): Alternative form of northwestward.
• Northwesterly (adjective or adverb): Situated in or coming from the northwest; in a northwesterly direction.
  • a northwesterly gale

Synonyms

• Northwesterly (for adjective/adverb uses related to direction).
• Northwestern (for adjective uses related to region).

Related Phrases and Compounds

• North-west by north: A compass point more precisely between northwest and north-northwest.
• North-west by west: A compass point more precisely between northwest and west-northwest.
• North-west passage: A historical sea route through the Arctic Ocean, along the northern coast of North America.

Adverb

1. to, toward, or in the northwest