north

Definitions

1. noun

   The direction opposite to south, toward the top of a map.

   Examples

   • Minnesota is in the north of the United States.
   • The wind is blowing from the north today.
2. noun

   An upward or rising direction, used in informal speech.

   Examples

   • Stock prices are heading north again.
   • Profits trended north all quarter.
3. noun

   The end of a magnet that points toward the Earth's northern pole.

   Examples

   • The north end of the compass needle points toward the Arctic.
   • Two north ends push each other away.
4. noun

   The northern part of a country or area, or its people.

   Examples

   • After independence, the north kept growing sugar longer than the south.
   • The north stayed loyal to the old government.
5. noun

   In a church, the side on the left when you face the altar.

   Examples

   • At this church, church north is really northeast.
   • The choir stood on the north side of the church.
6. adjective

   Of or in the north.

   Examples

   • He lived in north Germany.
   • She came in through the north gate.
7. adjective

   Going toward the north.

   Examples

   • The storms take a north path over the island.
   • They sailed north toward the coast.
8. adjective

   Coming from the north, said of wind.

   Examples

   • The north wind was cold.
   • A north wind blew across the plain.
9. adjective

   Used for traffic going north.

   Examples

   • Traffic was moving on the north highway one minute and stopped the next.
   • Take the north lanes to avoid the work.
10. adjective

    In a church, on the north side.

    Examples

    • The north transept is cool and quiet.
    • The choir stood in the north part of the nave.