northern
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /nˈɔːðən/
US
- /ˈnɔrðərn/
Description
- relating to the north
- colder climates
- from northern lands
- situated northward
"Northern" describes something that is in the north, comes from the north, or is turned toward the north. You can use it for places, such as a northern city or a northern border, and also for weather, light, or wind.
The word often brings to mind colder parts of the world, so people may speak of northern skies, northern forests, or northern winters. It can also describe people, customs, or food from the north, depending on the place being discussed.
"Northern" is an adjective that describes something related to the direction of north. It can mean that a place lies in the north, that something comes from the north, or that it faces that way. We use it in everyday phrases such as a northern region, a northern coast, or the northern side of a building.
The word is also common when talking about weather, nature, and the sky. People refer to northern winds, northern waters, or the Northern Hemisphere. In many contexts, it suggests colder areas because places farther north are often cooler, but the main idea is still location, not temperature alone.
"Northern" can also describe people, traditions, accents, food, or ways of life connected with the north of a country or area. In some historical or political settings, it may point to one side of a division, as in northern states or northern armies. Overall, the word helps place something on the map while also giving a sense of the climate, background, or identity linked with that part of the world.
Examples
- 1
Regional climate
Winters are colder in the northern part of the country.
- 2
Coast location
They bought a small cabin on the northern coast.
- 3
Weather report
The storm is moving across northern France tonight.
- 4
Accent
She speaks with a northern accent.
- 5
Hemisphere
Canada lies in the Northern Hemisphere.
- 6
Natural phenomenon
We stayed up late hoping to see the northern lights.
Phrase
northern lights
colored lights sometimes seen in the night sky near the Arctic
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- northernnounadjective