cardinal points

plural noun

1. the four chief directions of the compass; the north, south, east, and west points.

cardinal points

plural noun

1. the four main points of the compass: north, south, east, and west

Word History and Origins

Origin of cardinal points¹

First recorded in 1540–50

Example Sentences

For each of the four cheers, the king turned in a different direction to represent the cardinal points of the compass.

From Seattle Times

Activists have dubbed Thursday’s demonstration in Lima as the Cuatro Suyos March, a reference to the four cardinal points of the Inca empire.

From Washington Times

Activists have dubbed Thursday’s demonstration in Lima as the Cuatro Suyos March, a reference to the four cardinal points of the Inca empire.

From Seattle Times

Activists have dubbed Thursday’s demonstration in Lima as the Cuatro Suyos March, a reference to the four cardinal points of the Inca empire.

From Washington Times

Activists have dubbed Thursday’s demonstration in Lima as the Cuatro Suyos March, a reference to the four cardinal points of the Inca empire.

From Seattle Times