west
UK: wɛst | US: wɛst
n. the direction toward the point of the horizon where the sun sets
adj. situated in or facing this direction
adv. toward or in the west
The word "west" traces back to Old English west, derived from Proto-Germanic westrą, meaning "west" or "evening." It is linked to the Indo-European root wes-, referring to the evening or setting sun. The concept is tied to the sun's movement, as the west is where the sun disappears below the horizon. This directional term has remained remarkably stable across Germanic languages (e.g., German Westen, Dutch west).
The sun sets in the west every evening.
They traveled west to reach the coast.
The west side of the city is more industrial.
A cold wind blew from the west.
California is on the west coast of the United States.