east ‧ ern S2 W2 BrE AmE , Eastern /ˈiːst ə n $ -ərn/ adjective ( written abbreviation E )
[ Word Family: adjective : ↑ east , ↑ easterly , ↑ eastern , ↑ eastbound , ↑ easternmost , ↑ eastward ; noun : ↑ east , easterner, ↑ easterly ; adverb : ↑ east , eastward(s)]
1 . in or from the east of a country or area:
the eastern shore of the island
farmers in eastern England
2 . in or from the countries in Asia, especially China and Japan:
Eastern religions
3 . in or from the countries in the east part of Europe, especially the countries that used to have Communist governments:
Eastern Europe