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.
Even so, viewers at mid-northern latitudes should see an eye-catching object low in the west-northwest sky in early August. — Joe Rao, Space.com, 13 Oct. 2026 The epicenter was about 6 miles west-northwest of Anza, at a depth of 8 miles. — Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 10 Oct. 2026 Tropical Storm Isaias is in the Gulf of Mexico, 260 miles west-northwest of Progreso, Mexico and 540 miles south-southwest of the Mouth of the Mississippi River. — Miami Herald Hurricane Bot, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026 The cyclone was moving northwest at 7 mph (11 kph) and was forecast to turn toward the west-northwest and west later this week, moving away from mainland Mexico and passing south of the Baja California peninsula. — Mead Gruver, Chicago Tribune, 1 Oct. 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

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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 20 Oct. 2026.

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