Definition

1. Noun:

   • The compass point midway between north and west: The direction exactly halfway between north and west, specifically at 315 degrees on a compass.
   • A region or area situated in this direction: A location in the northwestern part of a country, region, or city.
   • A specific geographical region: Often capitalized ("the Northwest") to refer to a specific area, such as the northwestern part of the United States.

2. Adjective:

   • Situated in or oriented toward the northwest: Describing something located in the northwestern part or facing the northwest direction.
   • Coming from the northwest: Describing something, especially wind or weather, originating from the northwest direction.

3. Adverb:

   • To, toward, or in the northwest: Describing movement or position in relation to the northwest direction.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The storm is approaching from the northwest.
  • Seattle is a major city in the Pacific Northwest.
  • On the map, the treasure is marked to the northwest of the village.

• Adjective:

  • They bought a house in the northwest corner of the town.
  • A cold northwest wind brought a sudden drop in temperature.

• Adverb:

  • After the junction, continue driving northwest for five miles.
  • The migrating birds fly northwest each spring.

Advanced Usage

• "the Northwest": When capitalized, it often refers to a specific, well-known region. In the U.S., it typically means the Pacific Northwest (e.g., Washington, Oregon). In historical contexts, it can refer to the Old Northwest Territory.

  • The exploration of the Northwest was a major chapter in American history.

• "northwest by north" (NWbN) / "northwest by west" (NWbW): More precise compass points adjacent to northwest.

  • The ship adjusted its course to northwest by west.

Variants and Related Words

• Northwesterly (adjective/adverb): A synonym often used to describe wind or a general direction from or toward the northwest.

  • The forecast predicts northwesterly winds at 15 knots.

• Northwestern (adjective): Relating to or characteristic of a northwest region.

  • She studies the northwestern dialects of the language.

• Northwestward (adjective/adverb): In a northwest direction.

  • They began their northwestward journey at dawn.

Synonyms

• NW (abbreviation): The standard written abbreviation for northwest.
• Northwesterly: (For direction/origin).

Antonyms

• Southeast: The compass point directly opposite northwest.

Related Phrases

• Northwest Passage: A historical sea route through the Arctic Ocean, along the northern coast of North America.

  • Explorers long sought a Northwest Passage to Asia.

• Northwest Territories: A federal territory of Canada.

  • Yellowknife is the capital of the Northwest Territories.

Adjective

1. coming from the northwest
   • northwesterly winds
2. situated in or oriented toward the northwest

Adverb

1. to, toward, or in the northwest

Noun

1. a location in the northwestern part of a country, region, or city
2. the compass point midway between north and west; at 315 degrees
3. the direction corresponding to the northwestward compass point
4. the northwestern region of the United States