leeward

1 of 2

noun

lee·​ward ˈlē-wərd How to pronounce leeward (audio)
especially nautical
ˈlü-ərd How to pronounce leeward (audio)
Synonyms of leewardnext
: the lee side

leeward

2 of 2

adjective

: being in or facing the direction toward which the wind is blowing
also : being the side opposite the windward

Synonyms of leeward

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Adjective

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Examples of leeward in a Sentence

Noun We turned the boat to leeward. Adjective the leeward side of the island we moved to the leeward side of the ship so that we wouldn't have the wind in our faces
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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.
Noun
The islands want to move, as waves and wind push sand from the ocean edge to the leeward or sound side. — Bill McKibben, New Yorker, 12 Nov. 2025 The water on the leeward side of Salt Cay is like glass. — Peter Kelly, Travel + Leisure, 18 Aug. 2025
Adjective
This means that the leeward side of these landforms is usually drier and often protected from the high wind. — Tim MacWelch, Outdoor Life, 16 Jan. 2020 The different wind directions bring lake effect snow to different towns on the leeward side of the lakes. — Dave Epstein, BostonGlobe.com, 17 Nov. 2022 See All Example Sentences for leeward

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1549, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1630, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of leeward was in 1549

Rhymes for leeward

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Browse Nearby Words

leeve
leeward
Leeward Islands
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

leeward

1 of 2 noun
lee·​ward ˈlē-wərd How to pronounce leeward (audio)
especially among sailors
ˈlü-ərd How to pronounce leeward (audio)
: the lee side

leeward

2 of 2 adjective
: located away from the wind : downwind
the leeward side of the ship

More from Merriam-Webster on leeward

Nglish: Translation of leeward for Spanish Speakers

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