southwestern

adjective

south·​west·​ern sau̇(th)-ˈwe-stərn 

1

: lying toward or coming from the southwest

2

often Southwestern : of, relating to, or characteristic of a region conventionally designated Southwest

southwesternmost

sau̇(th)-ˈwe-stərn-ˌmōst 

adjective

Examples of southwestern in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids have swept across southwestern Kansas, home to some of the nation's largest meatpacking plants and feedlots, stoking fear among immigrant workers. — Luke Fountain, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026

Meanwhile upstairs, SkyFire serves up sophisticated Southwestern dishes. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

The space was formerly home to 37 SOL, a restaurant serving Mexican eats with a Southwestern flair. — Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 6 Oct. 2026

Japan's southwestern shift in its military focus centers heavily on Okinawa and its nearby islands. — Arkansas Online, 5 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English sūth-westerne, from sūth south + westerne western

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing southwestern

• southwestern corn borer

Rhymes for southwestern

• northwestern
• western

Kids Definition

southwestern

adjective

south·​west·​ern sau̇(th)-ˈwes-tərn 

1

: lying toward or coming from the southwest

2

often capitalized : of, relating to, or characteristic of the Southwest