northbound

adjective

north·​bound ˈnȯrth-ˌbau̇nd How to pronounce northbound (audio)
: traveling or headed north

Examples of northbound in a Sentence

The northbound lanes are closed.
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.
At night, both northbound and southbound traffic are reduced to one lane in each direction. — Da Lin, CBS News, 23 May 2026 The northbound side at this stop, which is the northern end of the Blue Line, will be closed for construction. — Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 31 Mar. 2026 All northbound traffic at intersecting streets and driveways will be required to turn right (east). — Jose R. Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 14 Nov. 2025 At the time, the car blocked both the northbound and southbound tracks of the Blue Line at the Institute Circle grade crossing. — Maveah Griffith, Charlotte Observer, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for northbound

Word History

First Known Use

1823, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of northbound was in 1823

Browse Nearby Words

North Bay
northbound
North Brabant
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Northbound.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/northbound. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

northbound

adjective
north·​bound ˈnȯrth-ˌbau̇nd How to pronounce northbound (audio)
: headed north

More from Merriam-Webster on northbound

Nglish: Translation of northbound for Spanish Speakers

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