WordGarden.ionorth
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /nˈɔːθ/
US
- /ˈnɔrθ/
Meanings
Noun
the direction on a compass opposite south
the northern part of a country, region, or the world
Adjective
located in, facing, or coming from the north
Adverb
to, toward, or in the north
Beyond the definition
North is one of the four main directions. It points toward the North Pole and is opposite south. On most maps, it is shown at the top. People also use it to talk about places in the upper part of a country or region, and it is often linked with colder weather. In phrases like "true north," it can also mean the exact direction or a clear guiding idea.
Imagine standing outside on a clear night and looking up at the stars. For centuries, people have used the North Star, Polaris, to help find their way because it stays close to this direction. It is more than just a point on a compass; it is one of the basic ways we organize space around us.
In geography, north lies opposite south, with east and west on either side. On maps, it is usually shown at the top. The word is often connected with cold places, snow, the Arctic, and long winters, so it can suggest both direction and climate at the same time.
But the word is not always used in a strict, literal way. To "head north" can simply mean to travel in that direction. It can also describe position in a larger area, as in the north side of a city or the northern part of a country. In some contexts, especially in the United States, "the North" can refer to a historical region rather than only a direction.
The word can also be used in a figurative sense. Someone may talk about their "true north" to mean a clear purpose, value, or guiding principle. So whether you are reading a map, describing a place, talking about weather, or speaking about personal values, "north" works as both a practical direction and a meaningful image.
Examples
- 1
Location
The mountains are north of the city.
- 2
Directions
Drive north for about ten miles, then turn left.
- 3
Travel
The train is heading north tonight.
- 4
Climate
It gets colder as you go farther north.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Regional location
My parents live in the north of England.
- Patternin the north of + place
in its northern part
- 6
Informal region
We spent the summer up north near the lake.
- Phraseup north
in or to a northern area, often within the same country
- 7
Building direction
The old kitchen has a north-facing window, so it stays cool.
- Phrasenorth-facing
looking toward the north
- 8
Traffic direction
The highway was closed to northbound traffic.
- 9
Map reading
Use the compass to find true north before you set up the map.
- Phrasetrue north
north on a map, not the north a magnetic compass points to
- 10
Amounts
The repair bill was north of $2,000.
- Patternnorth of + amount
more than that amount
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- northnounadjectiveadverb