I. (ˈ)nȯr|thwest, -ȯ(ə)|-, usual nautical pronunciation (ˈ)nȯr|w- or -ȯ(ə)|w- adverb
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English, from north (I) + west, adverb
: to, toward, or in the northwest : northwestward
II. noun
Etymology: Middle English, from northwest, adverb
1.
a. : the general direction between north and west
b. : the part of the northern sky lying west of the observer's meridian
c. : the point of the compass midway between the cardinal points north and west : the point directly opposite to southeast — abbr. NW ; see compass card
2. usually capitalized
a. : regions or countries lying to the northwest of a specified or implied point of orientation
b. : something (as people or institutions) characteristic of the Northwest
3. : the northwest wind
III. adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from northwest, adverb
1. : coming from the northwest
a northwest storm
2. : situated toward or at the northwest
the northwest passage