easterly

Everyday

1. Towards the east or in the east: an easterly direction. tree →
2. (of wind) Blowing from the east. tree →
3. (noun) A wind that comes from the east. tree →

In the lessons

In geography and weather lessons, an easterly wind blows FROM the east towards the west; compass directions and maps; phrases: «an easterly wind», «in an easterly direction», «the trade winds, or easterlies».

Examples

• A cold easterly wind blew across the field. tree →
• We walked in an easterly direction towards the sunrise. tree →
• The ship sailed on an easterly course. tree →
• The easterlies near the equator are called trade winds. tree →
• The weather forecast says a strong easterly will bring snow. tree →
• Our school is on the easterly side of the town. tree →

Note

Trap: a wind is named after where it comes FROM; an easterly wind blows from east to west. Similar: northerly, southerly, westerly. In UK weather, cold easterlies often come from Siberia («the Beast from the East»).