n., adj., & adv.
n. 1 a the point of the horizon where the sun sets at the equinoxes (cardinal point 90ø to the left of north). b the compass point corresponding to this. c the direction in which this lies. 2 (usu. the West) a European in contrast to Oriental civilization. b the non-Communist States of Europe and n. America. c the western part of the late Roman Empire. d the western part of a country, town, etc. 3 Bridge a player occupying the position designated 'west'.
adj. 1 towards, at, near, or facing west. 2 coming from the west (west wind).
adv. 1 towards, at, or near the west. 2 (foll. by of) further west than. go west sl. be killed or destroyed etc. West Bank a region west of the River Jordan assigned to Jordan in 1948 and occupied by Israel since 1967. West Country the south-western counties of England. West End the entertainment and shopping area of London to the west of the City. West Indian 1 a native or national of any island of the West Indies. 2 a person of West Indian descent. West Indies the islands of Central America, including Cuba and the Bahamas. west-north- (or south-) west the direction or compass-point midway between west and north-west (or south-west). West Side US the western part of Manhattan.
[ OE f. Gmc ]