southerly
southerly Lexical Profile
southerly Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Situated, directed, or moving toward the south.
"The migratory birds began their long journey in a southerly direction."
(Of a wind or breeze) blowing from the south.
"A warm southerly breeze brought humid air up from the gulf."
• noun
A wind or gale that blows from the south.
"A strong southerly swept across the harbor, bringing cooler temperatures to the coast."
• adverb
Toward the south, or from a southern direction.
"The river flows southerly through the fertile valley before reaching the delta."
Word Nuance & Usage
When describing winds or ocean currents, a 'southerly' wind blows *from* the south toward the north, whereas 'southward' movement goes *toward* the south.
• Rhymes for southerly
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Recorded in late Middle English, formed from 'south' (from Old English 'sūth') on the pattern of 'northerly' and 'westerly'.