Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • The hemisphere that includes North America and South America: The Western Hemisphere is the half of the Earth that lies west of the Prime Meridian (0° longitude) and east of the 180th meridian. It contains the continents of North America and South America, as well as surrounding islands and waters.

Usage

• The term "Western Hemisphere" is used in geographical, political, and cultural contexts to refer to the part of the world encompassing the Americas.
• It is often capitalized as it is a proper noun referring to a specific region of the planet.

Examples

• Proper noun:
  • Most countries in the Western Hemisphere are democracies.
  • The Amazon rainforest, located in the Western Hemisphere, is the largest tropical rainforest in the world.
  • The organization focuses on promoting economic cooperation within the Western Hemisphere.

Advanced Usage

• Geopolitical Context: The term is frequently used in international relations and diplomacy, particularly by organizations like the Organization of American States (OAS).
  • The treaty was signed by nations from across the Western Hemisphere.
• Meteorological Context: Used in weather and climate studies to describe systems affecting the Americas.
  • The hurricane season in the Western Hemisphere typically runs from June to November.

Variants and Related Words

• The Americas: A common term referring to the same landmasses (North and South America), but not strictly synonymous as it does not inherently reference the hemispheric division.
• New World: A historical term for the Western Hemisphere, particularly the Americas, from the perspective of the Old World (Europe, Asia, Africa).
• Eastern Hemisphere: The half of the Earth that includes Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia.

Synonyms

• The New World (historical context)
• The Americas (though this refers specifically to the continents)

Notes on Meaning

• The Western Hemisphere is defined by longitude, not by continents alone. Therefore, it also includes parts of other continents, such as the westernmost portions of Europe and Africa, and the easternmost tip of Russia (Siberia), though these are minor inclusions. The primary and common understanding centers on the Americas.
• The term is distinct from "the West," which is a broader cultural and political concept that can include countries like Australia and Western Europe, regardless of hemisphere.

Noun

1. the hemisphere that includes North America and South America