leeward
leeward Lexical Profile
leeward Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Situated on or toward the side sheltered from the wind; facing the direction toward which the wind is blowing.
"The leeward slopes of the mountain range receive significantly less rainfall than the peaks facing the ocean."
• adverb
On or toward the side sheltered from the wind; in the direction toward which the wind is blowing.
"As the gale intensified, the captain ordered the crew to steer the vessel leeward toward the protected bay."
• noun
The side, direction, or area that is sheltered from the wind; the direction toward which the wind blows.
"The small fishing boats anchored safely to the leeward of the rocky headland."
Word Nuance & Usage
In traditional nautical contexts, 'leeward' is often pronounced 'loo-erd', whereas in meteorological and general usage it is pronounced as spelled ('lee-werd'). Care should be taken not to confuse it with its opposite, 'windward' (the side facing the wind).
• Rhymes for leeward
Word Origin & Etymology
First recorded in the late 14th century, the word combines 'lee' (from Old English 'hlēo', meaning shelter or protection) with the directional suffix '-ward' (from Old English '-weard').