easterly

[ ee-ster-lee ]

adjective

1. moving, directed, or situated toward the east:

   an easterly course.

2. (especially of a wind) coming from the east:

   an easterly gale.

adverb

1. toward the east.
2. from the east.

noun

, plural east·er·lies.

1. a wind that blows from the east.

easterly

/ ˈiːstəlɪ /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or situated in the east

adverb

1. towards or in the direction of the east
2. from the east

   an easterly wind

noun

1. a wind from the east

easterly

/ ē′stər-lē /

1. A wind, especially a prevailing wind, that blows from the east. The trade winds in tropical regions and the prevailing winds in the polar regions are easterlies.
2. See illustration at wind

Other Words From

• easter·li·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of easterly¹

1540–50; obsolete easter eastern ( easterling ) + -ly

Example Sentences

I pulled my cowl over my head to protect it from the easterly sun and soon fell into an irritated doze.

From Literature

With an easterly wind there may also be more persistent cloud and some drizzle along North Sea coastal areas which will also make it feel quite a bit chillier.

From BBC

This follows overnight temperatures in the 30s, especially in areas like Olympia sheltered from warm easterly winds that will be responsible for turning up temperatures by day.

From Seattle Times

Temperature data from satellites and buoys revealed a large southbound eddy moving through the region, coupled with 4 days of strong easterly winds, fueled strong upwelling.

From Science Magazine

This would mean an easterly wind which could initially be quite chilly, but with the potential for temperatures to rise a little beyond that.

From BBC