I. nȯrth-ˈwest, naut nȯr-ˈwest adverb
Date: before 12th century
: to, toward, or in the northwest
II. adjective
Date: before 12th century
1. : coming from the northwest
a northwest wind
2. : situated toward or at the northwest
the northwest corner
III. noun
Date: 12th century
1.
a. : the general direction between north and west
b. : the point midway between the north and west compass points
2. capitalized : regions or countries lying to the northwest of a specified or implied point of orientation