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.
Wait until about 75 minutes after sundown, but be aware that by that time the planet duo will be very low, only about 10 degrees above the west-northwest horizon. Joe Rao, Space.com, 3 Apr. 2026 The earthquake's epicenter was roughly 16 miles west-northwest of Ludlow and occurred at a depth of 1 mile. Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 1 Apr. 2026 The quake, which hit early Thursday local time, had depth of nearly 22 miles and its epicenter was 79 miles west-northwest of Ternate, Indonesia, the USGS said. CBS News, 1 Apr. 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

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Cite this Entry

“West-northwest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/west-northwest. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.

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