southerly

American  

[suhth-er-lee] / ˈsʌð ər li /

adjective

1. toward the south.

   a southerly course.

2. (especially of a wind) coming from the south.

   a gentle southerly breeze.

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noun

plural

southerlies

1. a wind that blows from the south.

southerly British  

/ ˈsʌðəlɪ /

adjective

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

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adverb

1. towards or in the direction of the south

2. from the south

   a southerly wind

noun

1. a wind from the south

Other Word Forms

• southerliness noun

Etymology

Origin of southerly

1545–55; south + -erly ( easterly )

Example Sentences

Winds from a southerly direction will send warm air our way and can boost temperatures into the low or even the mid-twenties.

From BBC • Mar. 1, 2026

"Rain will also be accompanied by strengthening southerly winds, which may exacerbate impacts," it added.

From BBC • Dec. 9, 2025

She added: "This southerly shift has already led to increases in continental droughts and wildfires across the southern landmasses."

From Science Daily • Nov. 19, 2025

Meanwhile, southerly winds pushed the system right up against — and perpendicular to — the Santa Ynez Mountains.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 17, 2025

The gentle tugging became a sharp, southerly yank.

From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman