northeast

UK: ˌnɔːθˈiːst | US: ˌnɔːrθˈiːst

Definition

  1. n. the compass point midway between north and east

  2. adj. situated in or toward the northeast

  3. adv. to, toward, or in the northeast

Structure
north <direction>east <direction>
Etymology

The word "northeast" is a straightforward compound of "north" and "east," reflecting its directional meaning. Both roots derive from Old English:

  • "North" (Old English norþ) originally referred to the cardinal direction, linked to Proto-Germanic nurþrą.
  • "East" (Old English ēast) comes from Proto-Germanic austrą, meaning "toward the sunrise."
    The compound logically combines these to denote the intermediate direction between north and east, a pattern common in English (e.g., "southwest").
Examples

  1. The wind is blowing from the northeast today.

  2. They traveled northeast to reach the mountains.

  3. The northeast corner of the room gets the most sunlight.

  4. The storm is moving toward the northeast at 20 mph.

  5. She lives in a small town in the northeast of the country.