northwest

The direction halfway between north and west.

• The wind came from the northwest.
• High mountains lie in the northwest of the country.
• The compass needle pointed toward the northwest.

Opposites: southeast

Common phrases: toward the northwest, from the northwest, in the northwest

Located in, or pointing toward, the direction halfway between north and west.

• Use the northwest entrance.
• They live on the northwest coast.
• The ship followed a northwest course.

Similar words: northwesterly

Opposites: southeast

Common phrases: northwest corner, northwest coast, northwest route

Coming from the direction halfway between north and west.

• A northwest wind is blowing.
• The northwest breeze cooled the beach.
• Strong northwest winds delayed the fishing boats.

Similar words: northwesterly

Opposites: southeast

Common phrases: northwest wind, northwest breeze, strong northwest wind

Toward the direction halfway between north and west.

• We drove northwest.
• The birds flew northwest across the lake.
• Their farm lies ten miles northwest of town.

How to use it: northwest of somewhere (The village lies northwest of the city.)

Similar words: northwestward, northwestwards

Opposites: southeast

Common phrases: head northwest, travel northwest, northwest of somewhere