southerly

1 of 2

adjective or adverb

south·​er·​ly ˈsə-t͟hər-lē How to pronounce southerly (audio)
1
: situated toward or belonging to the south
the southerly shore of the lake
2
: coming from the south
a southerly wind

southerly

2 of 2

noun

plural southerlies
: a wind from the south

Examples of southerly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective or adverb
The southerly wind will gust up to 20 mph and continue to pump in moisture from the Gulf. — Lauren Bostwick, CBS News, 15 Aug. 2026 The reason is rather fascinating; last week’s passing of Tropical Storm Elida to the west created a consistent stretch of southerly winds all along the coast. — Sean MacAday, Sacbee.com, 24 July 2026
Noun
The beach hazard statements have been in effect mainly due to the strong southerly swells brought by storms that have been ongoing in the south Pacific, sending waves of energy that slam into the West Coast. — CBS News, 12 July 2026 This was a southerly trajectory launch. — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for southerly

Word History

Etymology

Adjective or adverb

south entry 3 + -erly (as in easterly)

First Known Use

Adjective Or Adverb

1550, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun

1837, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of southerly was in 1550

Rhymes for southerly

See All Rhymes for southerly

Browse Nearby Words

southerliness
southerly
southerly buster
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Southerly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/southerly. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

southerly

adverb or adjective
south·​er·​ly
ˈsət͟h-ər-lē
1
: toward the south
2
: coming from the south

More from Merriam-Webster on southerly

Nglish: Translation of southerly for Spanish Speakers

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