west-northwest

noun

west-north·​west ˈwest-ˌnȯr(th)-ˈwest How to pronounce west-northwest (audio)
: a compass point that is two points north of due west : N67°30′W

Examples of west-northwest in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The earthquake's epicenter was about 18 miles west-northwest of Petrolia and occurred at a depth of 14 miles. — Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 2 Sep. 2026 The system is moving toward the west-northwest near 5 mph, and this general motion is expected to continue for the next day or two. — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026 The system, Invest 96, is creating an area of showers and thunderstorms in the far eastern Atlantic and is expected to move west or west-northwest, according to the National Hurricane Center’s latest advisory. — Robin Webb, Sun Sentinel, 25 Aug. 2026 The storm was moving to the west-northwest at 8 miles per hour. — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for west-northwest

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of west-northwest was in the 14th century

Rhymes for west-northwest

See All Rhymes for west-northwest

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“West-northwest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/west-northwest. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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