easterly

1 of 2

adjective or adverb

east·​er·​ly ˈē-stər-lē How to pronounce easterly (audio)
1
: situated toward or belonging to the east
the easterly shore of the lake
2
: coming from the east
an easterly storm

easterly

2 of 2

noun

plural easterlies
: a wind from the east

Examples of easterly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective or adverb
It was driven by strong easterly Santa Ana winds of 30 to 40 mph. — Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 2026 However, the most easterly island in the Caribbean is more than just a destination for savoring a rum punch with toes in the sand. — Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 22 Dec. 2025
Noun
The storm will bring strong, north-easterly winds, with gusts between 55 mph and 60 mph expected across the state. — Eryn Dion, The Providence Journal, 22 Feb. 2026 Positive values show winds from the west, whereas negative values indicate easterlies. — Tom Yulsman, Discover Magazine, 29 Feb. 2024 See All Example Sentences for easterly

Word History

Etymology

Adjective or adverb

obsolete easter eastern

First Known Use

Adjective Or Adverb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1837, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of easterly was before the 12th century

Rhymes for easterly

See All Rhymes for easterly

Browse Nearby Words

easterling
easterly
Easter mackerel
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Easterly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/easterly. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

easterly

adverb or adjective
east·​er·​ly
ˈē-stər-lē
1
: toward the east
they sailed easterly
2
: from the east
an easterly storm

More from Merriam-Webster on easterly

Nglish: Translation of easterly for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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