northeast

1. 1
   noununcountable

   The point on a compass that lies halfway between north and east.

   Like the corner of a map between the top edge and the right edge.

   The wind shifted to the northeast overnight.

   From the northeast came a long line of dark clouds.

   Oppositesouthwest

2. 2
   adverb

   Toward the point that lies between north and east.

   The ship sailed northeast for three days.

   They drove northeast until they reached the coast.

   Similarnortheastward

   Oppositesouthwest

3. 3
   adjective

   Placed toward, or facing, the direction between north and east.

   We planted the orchard on the northeast slope to catch the morning light.

   A path led to the northeast gate of the old fort.

   Similarnortheastern

   Oppositesouthwest

4. 4
   adjective

   Belonging to or found in the part of a place that lies toward the northeast.

   She grew up in a small northeast town near the border.

   The northeast counties get more snow than the rest of the country.

   Similarnortheastern

   Oppositesouthwest, southwestern

5. 5
   adjective

   Coming from the point between north and east, as a wind does.

   A bitter northeast wind swept across the harbor.

   The northeast breeze carried the smell of rain.

   Similarnortheasterly

   Oppositesouthwest, southwesterly

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