English · Word Candidate

northeast

/noːˈθɪjst/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: northeasts

Sense 1

Meaning · English

The intercardinal compass point halfway between north and east; specifically at a bearing of 45°.

Noun

Examples

The task of discussing priority concerns for this region is complicated by the fact that there are essentially two rural northeasts.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Of, in or pertaining to the northeast; northeastern.

Adjective

Examples

"PG&E is aware of a power outage initially impacting about 61,000 customers in the area northeast of Sacramento including Auburn, Grass Valley and Loomis.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

Situated toward or in the direction of the northeast; northeastward; northeasterly.

Adjective

Examples

a northeast course

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

Towards the direction of the northeast; northeastwards.

Adverb

Examples

We are travelling northeast at the moment.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “northeast” mean?

The intercardinal compass point halfway between north and east; specifically at a bearing of 45°.

Is “northeast” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.