east

Definitions

1. noun

   The direction where the sun comes up.

   Examples

   • Portsmouth is to the east of Southampton.
   • The sun rises in the east.
2. noun

   The eastern part of a country or the world.

   Examples

   • We live in the east of the country.
   • The east has always had its own customs.
3. noun

   In a church, the end where the altar stands.

   Examples

   • The altar stands at the east end of the church.
   • The priest faced east during the service.
4. adjective

   Lying toward the east.

   Examples

   • The east wing of the palace is closed.
   • They live on the east side of town.
   ≈eastward
5. adjective

   Blowing from the east, as wind.

   Examples

   • A cold east wind blew over the harbor.
   • An east wind brought rain.
   ≈easterly
6. adjective

   Relating to the east.

   Examples

   • We drove along the east coast.
   • The east entrance is closed today.
7. adjective

   Coming from Asia, in old-fashioned use.

   Examples

   • Eastern influence is clear in the building.
   • The pattern on the cloth shows clear eastern origins.
   ≈oriental
8. adjective

   Facing the altar end of a church.

   Examples

   • The east front of the cathedral is very old.
   • The bishop's chair stood at the east end.
9. adverb

   Toward the east.

   Examples

   • The road bends east just past the bridge.
   • Sail east until you reach the harbor.
   ≈eastwards