WordGarden.iowestern
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /wˈɛstən/
US
- /ˈhwɛstərn/
Meanings
Adjective
located in, from, facing, or toward the west
relating to the western part of a place or to the West as a cultural region
relating to the American West, cowboy culture, or its familiar frontier style
Noun
a story, film, or show about the American frontier West, especially with cowboys and gunfighters
Beyond the definition
The word "western" often brings to mind cowboys, open land, and the American frontier, but its meaning is wider than that. It can describe anything connected with the west as a direction or region, as in a western wind or the western part of a country. It is also widely used for the culture and style of the American Old West, including cowboy clothing, frontier life, and films about outlaws, ranches, or life on the range.
In a broader sense, "western" can also describe countries and cultures linked to Europe and North America, as in the phrase "the Western world." The meaning depends on the context, but it usually points either to the west as a place or direction, or to the history and culture of the American West.
The word "western" has several closely related meanings. At the most basic level, it describes something that is in, from, or toward the west. You can use it for direction and location, as in a western wind, the western coast, or the western half of a city or country.
Another very common meaning connects the word with the American West, especially the period of frontier life in the nineteenth century. In this sense, "western" can describe clothing, stories, films, or a general style linked with cowboys, ranches, horses, deserts, small frontier towns, and life on the open range. A "Western" as a noun is also a well-known genre of film, television, or fiction set in that world.
The word can also be used in a broader cultural or political sense. In phrases like "the Western world" or "Western countries," it usually refers to societies historically linked with Europe and, often, North America. In that use, it is often contrasted with "Eastern" countries or cultures, depending on the discussion.
Because of these different uses, the exact meaning of "western" depends on context. Sometimes it is simply about direction. Sometimes it points to the history, style, and mythology of the American Old West. And sometimes it refers more broadly to a group of countries, cultures, or traditions associated with Europe and nearby parts of the world.
Examples
- 1
Weather direction
The storm is moving toward the western coast.
- 2
Regional location
She grew up in the western part of Canada.
- 3
Suburbs
Many people who live in the western suburbs take the train to work.
- 4
Business region
The company wants to expand its business in western Europe.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Medical tradition
He studied western medicine before working in a hospital overseas.
- Phrasewestern medicine
modern medicine commonly used in Europe and North America
- 6
Film genre
My grandfather still watches old westerns on Sunday afternoons.
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- westernnounadjective
Forms
- westernspluralnounadjective