westerlies: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical / Academic / Nautical
Quick answer
What does “westerlies” mean?
The prevailing winds that blow from the west towards the east in the middle latitudes of both hemispheres.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The prevailing winds that blow from the west towards the east in the middle latitudes of both hemispheres.
Any persistent winds or air currents coming from a westerly direction, often used in meteorology, climatology, and sailing contexts. Can also metaphorically describe influences or trends coming from the West (e.g., cultural, political).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Spelling and usage are identical. The term is equally technical in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral and scientific in both. In British contexts, may have stronger historical nautical associations.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in British English due to greater general public interest in maritime weather, but the difference is marginal.
Grammar
How to Use “westerlies” in a Sentence
The [ADJ] westerlies [VERB] ...Sailing was aided by the westerlies.A shift in the westerlies caused...Located in the path of the westerlies.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “westerlies” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not applicable as a verb. The related verb is 'to wester'.]
American English
- [Not applicable as a verb. The related verb is 'to wester'.]
adverb
British English
- The storm moved westerly at 20 knots.
- They sailed westerly for three days.
American English
- The front is progressing westerly.
- The migration flows westerly in the spring.
adjective
British English
- A westerly gale is expected later tonight.
- They set off on a westerly course.
American English
- A westerly front will bring rain to the coast.
- We detected a westerly shift in the jet stream.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in reports on shipping logistics, agriculture, or renewable energy (wind power) influenced by weather patterns.
Academic
Common in geography, environmental science, meteorology, and climatology texts discussing global wind patterns and ocean currents.
Everyday
Uncommon. Used mainly in weather forecasts, especially for sailing, aviation, or in regions directly affected by them.
Technical
Core term in meteorology and oceanography. Precisely defines the wind belt between 30° and 60° latitude.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “westerlies”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “westerlies”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “westerlies”
- Using it as a singular noun ('a westerly' is different).
- Confusing it with local west winds.
- Misspelling as 'westernlies'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. 'West winds' is a general description of wind direction. 'The westerlies' (always plural with 'the') refers specifically to the planetary-scale belt of prevailing winds between 30° and 60° latitude.
Yes, but it means something different. 'A westerly' is a singular wind blowing from the west, often a specific weather event. 'The westerlies' is the name of the global wind system.
This is a nickname for the strong westerlies found in the Southern Hemisphere between 40° and 50° latitude. They 'roar' due to high wind speeds, largely unobstructed by landmasses.
If you live in the mid-latitudes (e.g., North America, Europe, southern Australia, southern South America), then yes. They are the dominant wind flow that steers weather systems (like storms and fronts) from west to east across your region.
The prevailing winds that blow from the west towards the east in the middle latitudes of both hemispheres.
Westerlies is usually technical / academic / nautical in register.
Westerlies: in British English it is pronounced /ˈwɛstəliz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈwɛstərliz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms. The word itself is technical.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'WEST-erlies come from the WEST and lie in the middle latitudes.'
Conceptual Metaphor
THE ATMOSPHERE IS A RIVER (the westerlies are a prevailing current in this river). PROGRESS/INFLUENCE IS A WESTWARD FLOW (cultural westerlies).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'westerlies' most precisely and frequently used?