northern
Noun pluralnortherns
Pluralnortherns
- 1In, facing, or connected with the north. A northern wind blows from the north.
Like the top part of a map, where 'up' usually points north.
The northern edge of the city has the oldest buildings.
We packed warm clothes for the northern climate.
UsageSay more northern; the farthest north is the northernmost.
Oppositesouthern
- 2Typical of the north of England, its people, or how they speak.
Her Northern accent made her stand out at the London office.
Even after years in London, she kept her Northern accent from Leeds.
UsageUsually with a capital N: a Northern accent.
Note
- 3A large freshwater fish with a long body and sharp teeth, a type of pike.
Like a hidden hunter that waits quietly, then darts out to grab smaller fish.
She landed a five-pound northern just before lunch.
Anglers come to this lake every summer to catch northerns.
UsageMostly said by people who fish; plural northerns. Others say northern pike.
Similarpike
Note
Less common meanings
- 4A movie or play set in the far north of North America long ago, often about a Mountie.
Like a cowboy movie, but set in the snowy north with a Mountie instead.
They watched an old northern about a brave Mountie and a fugitive.
The film festival showed three classic northerns over the weekend.
- 5A person who lives in or comes from the northern part of a country or region.
Showing meanings only.
Practice
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Origin
From Old English norþerne, made from north plus -ern.
Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 2 facts
- Northern derives from Old English norþerne. en.wiktionary.org
- Northern consists of north plus the suffix -ern. en.wiktionary.org