English · Word Candidate

southwestern

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Of or pertaining to the southwest.

Adjective

Examples

Locals think southwestern sunsets are the most beautiful.

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 or relating to any of various particular regions named for the cardinal direction in which they lie.

Adjective

Sources & notes

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

Sense 3

Meaning · English

Of or relating to any of various particular regions named for the cardinal direction in which they lie. — Of or relating to the southwestern region of the contiguous United States.

AdjectiveRegister: US

Examples

This recipe has a Southwestern flavor that reminds me of my trip to Santa Fe.

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 “southwestern” mean?

Of or pertaining to the southwest.

Is “southwestern” formal or informal?

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