noun / adjective / adverb / proper noun
west
WEST/west/
The direction of sunset, opposite east.
The compass points west toward the sun on the horizon.
Etymology
Old English west already named the sunset direction. Its deeper origin is uncertain, but a possible connection with “evening” would link the compass point to the time when the sun disappears there.
In context
As the sun moves east to west across the sky, the shadow it creates moves west to east.
More examples
- Our kitchen windows face west.
- The west side of the house stays warm.
- She travels through the West every summer.
Forms
western adjective — Located in or facing the west.
Similar words
- westward
- Specifically describes movement or orientation toward west, not the direction itself.
- westerly
- Can describe movement toward west or wind coming from west.