northern

[ nawr-thern ]

adjective

1. lying toward or situated in the north.
2. directed or proceeding northward.
3. coming from the north, as a wind.
4. Often Northern. of or relating to the North, especially the northern United States.
5. Astronomy. north of the celestial equator or of the zodiac:

   a northern constellation.

noun

1. a person living in a northern region or country.
2. Northern, a steam locomotive having a four-wheeled front truck, eight driving wheels, and a four-wheeled rear truck.

northern

/ ˈnɔːðən /

adjective

1. situated in or towards the north

   northern towns

2. directed or proceeding towards the north

   a northern flow of traffic

3. (esp of winds) proceeding from the north
4. sometimes capital of, relating to, or characteristic of the north or North
5. sometimes capital astronomy north of the celestial equator

Other Words From

• northern·ness noun
• pro-Northern adjective
• un·northern adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of northern¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English, Old English; north, -ern

Example Sentences

The chief executives of all of Northern Ireland's health trusts gave an update to the Stormont committee on Thursday.

From BBC

The current funding model for Northern Ireland Water is fit for purpose, the infrastructure minister has said.

From BBC

Scotland does not have leasehold tenures, while Northern Ireland has just a handful of leasehold properties.

From BBC

Northern California is being hit hard by the first major atmospheric river storm of the season, with rain totals expected to exceed 12 inches in some areas, bringing a chance for flooding and mudslides.

From Los Angeles Times

“It will help lower demands on our imported water sources from the Colorado River and on the Northern Sierra,” Ortega said.

From Los Angeles Times