southwesterly
southwesterly Lexical Profile
southwesterly Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Situated toward, facing, or moving in the direction of the southwest.
"The expedition followed a southwesterly route across the desert plateau."
Coming or blowing from the southwest (especially of a wind or ocean current).
"A warm southwesterly breeze brought humid air up from the coast."
• adverb
In a direction toward the southwest, or from the southwest.
"The river bends southwesterly for several miles before reaching the bay."
• noun
A wind or storm that blows from the southwest.
"The sailors reefed their sails as a strong southwesterly began to build over the channel."
Word Nuance & Usage
When describing winds, currents, or weather systems, 'southwesterly' means coming from the southwest, whereas when describing travel or movement, it means moving toward the southwest.