noun / adjective / adverb / proper noun
northwest
north-WEST/ˌnɔrθˈwɛst/
The direction halfway between north and west.
The compass arrow points northwest, halfway between north and west.
Etymology
North and west jointly name the direction between them. The Old English compound already meant movement toward that intermediate point, rather than either cardinal direction alone.
More examples
- Dark clouds gather in the northwest.
- The cabin's northwest window overlooks the lake.
- Oregon and Washington are in the Pacific Northwest.
Forms
northwestern adjective — Located in or facing the northwest.
Similar words
- northwesterly
- Often describes travel toward, or wind coming from, the northwest.