situated in or oriented toward the northwest
"The northwestern corner of the map shows a dense forest."
of a region of the United States generally including Washington; Oregon; Idaho; and sometimes Montana; Wyoming
"The northwestern states experienced heavy rainfall last week."
Of or pertaining to the northwest; from or to in such a direction.
"The northwestern winds brought heavy rain to the region."
In plain English: Northwestern means located to the northwest of something else, such as being on the upper left side when you look at a map or compass.
"The northwestern coast is known for its rugged cliffs and cold winds."
Usage: Use northwestern as an adjective before nouns like "Northwestern University" or "the northwestern corner," but avoid using it after the noun unless preceded by a possessive, which is less common for directional adjectives. This term specifically describes locations situated toward the northwest rather than simply being in that general region.
Northwestern is derived from the combination of "north" and "western," likely originating as a direct borrowing or adaptation of an Old English form meaning exactly that. The word follows the same pattern as its directional relatives, such as northeastern and southwestern.