westerly
westerly Lexical Profile
westerly Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Situated toward, facing, or moving toward the west.
"The explorers continued their journey in a westerly direction across the plains."
Coming or blowing from the west (used specifically of winds or ocean currents).
"A strong westerly breeze brought cool, moist air from the Pacific Ocean."
• noun
A wind or storm that blows from the west, especially the prevailing winds of the middle latitudes (often used in the plural).
"Sailing ships relied heavily on the prevailing westerlies to cross the ocean."
American A coastal town located on the southwestern shoreline of Washington County, Rhode Island, in the northeastern United States, known for its beaches along the Atlantic Ocean.
• adverb
Toward the west; in a westward direction; or (of wind) from the west.
"The river flows westerly for twenty miles before emptying into the bay."
Word Nuance & Usage
When describing winds, 'westerly' refers to a wind blowing from the west, whereas in general movement or position it means moving or facing toward the west.
• Rhymes for westerly
• Nearby Words
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.