Phrase guide

north by west

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

The compass point halfway between north and north-northwest, specifically 348.75°, abbreviated as NbW.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: uncountable

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

the compass point that is one point west of due north

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: NbW

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: compass point, point

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

3 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • French: nord-quart-nord-ouest — compass point
  • French: nord quart nord-ouest — compass point
  • Japanese: 北微西 (hokubisei) — compass point