northeast

1. 1
   noununcountable

   The intercardinal compass point halfway between north and east, at a bearing of 45 degrees.

   The trail bent toward the northeast as it climbed the ridge.

   Her compass needle settled a few degrees off the northeast.

   Oppositesouthwest

2. 2
   adverb

   In or toward the direction that lies between north and east.

   The geese flew northeast as the cold weather set in.

   After the fork, the highway runs northeast for nearly fifty miles.

   Similarnortheastward

   Oppositesouthwest

3. 3
   adjective

   Situated toward or facing the direction that lies between north and east.

   The northeast wing of the house gets the first sun each day.

   Their cabin sits on the northeast shore of the lake.

   Similarnortheastern

   Oppositesouthwest

4. 4
   adjective

   Belonging to, located in, or characteristic of the northeastern region of a place.

   The festival celebrates the folk music of the northeast highlands.

   Several northeast dialects preserve words lost elsewhere.

   Similarnortheastern

   Oppositesouthwest, southwestern

5. 5
   adjective

   Blowing or arriving from the direction that lies between north and east.

   Sailors braced for the northeast gale forecast that evening.

   A steady northeast current pushed the boats off course.

   Similarnortheasterly

   Oppositesouthwest, southwesterly

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