adj. esp. Geog. 1 of or in the south; inhabiting the south. 2 lying or directed towards the south (at the southern end). Southern Cross a southern constellation in the shape of a cross. Southern hemisphere the half of the earth below the equator. southern lights the aurora australis. Southern States the States in the south, esp. the south-east, of the US. southernmost adj.
[ OE sutherne (as SOUTH, -ERN) ]