Northerner

American  

[nawr-ther-ner] / ˈnɔr ðər nər /

noun

1. (sometimes lowercase) a native or inhabitant of the North, especially the northern U.S.

2. (lowercase) norther.

---

Northerner British  

/ ˈnɔːðənə /

noun

1. (sometimes not capital) a native or inhabitant of the north of any specified region, esp England or the US

---

Etymology

Origin of Northerner

First recorded in 1825–35; northern + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Meanwhile, in the South, most Confederates would be more familiar with “Dixie,” which Emmett, a Northerner, also claimed to have written.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 1, 2026

Franklin Pierce, although a Northerner, fiercely defended slavery while signing the Kansas-Nebraska Act and enforcing the Fugitive Slave Act; he was a drunkard to boot.

From Salon • Jul. 26, 2025

A Northerner serves 13 years in the military, while South Korean conscripts serve just 18 months.

From Washington Times • Mar. 10, 2023

Like many a Northerner, Cilley faced a difficult choice.

From New York Times • Sep. 7, 2018

He was a Northerner himself; maybe he would find some ship to take him on to Gont from Havnor, and he might see Ogion again.

From "A Wizard of Earthsea" by Ursula K. Le Guin