North Meaning

UK /nɔːθ/
US /nɔːrθ/
Word Definition
north meaning

North Definition & Usage

noun

The cardinal direction toward the top of most maps, opposite of south, generally associated with colder climates.

Examples

  • "The compass needle points north."
  • "We drove north to escape the heat of the city."
  • "Canada lies to the north of the United States."
  • "The North Pole is at the northernmost point on Earth."
  • "In the northern hemisphere, the North Star is an important navigational aid."
adjective

Located towards or in the direction of the north.

Examples

  • "We are heading north for the holidays."
  • "The north side of the building gets more sunlight."
  • "She lives in a north-facing apartment."
  • "They are traveling to the north coast for a fishing trip."
  • "The north wind brought colder weather."
noun

A region or area located to the north, sometimes with specific cultural or political connotations.

Examples

  • "The North is known for its strong industrial base."
  • "In the Civil War, the North fought against the South."
  • "They moved to the North for better job opportunities."
  • "The North of England has a distinct dialect."
  • "The political divide between the North and South remains in many countries."
verb

To move or travel in the direction of the north.

Examples

  • "After the storm passed, they decided to north and seek shelter."
  • "The travelers plan to north as the sun rises."
  • "The hikers will north to reach the mountain summit."
  • "The ships are preparing to north through the icy waters."
  • "We must north if we want to make it to the festival on time."

Cultural Context

The word 'north' has strong cultural, geographical, and political associations, especially in regions with historical divisions based on geography (e.g., the North-South divide). In many languages, the north is associated with cold climates, as it is often the direction toward the poles. The North Star has been a vital navigational reference for centuries, further embedding the idea of 'north' in cultural and historical contexts.

The Journey North

Story

The Journey North

As the first light of dawn broke over the horizon, Emma felt a mix of excitement and uncertainty. She had spent the last few years in the bustling south, with its warm winds and sunny days, but now, she was heading north. Her friends had warned her about the bitter cold, the unwelcoming winds, and the remote nature of the land. But Emma was determined. She had always dreamed of seeing the northern lights, of feeling the thrill of being in the far north where the earth seemed to meet the sky. The journey was long, and the roads were winding. The further north they traveled, the colder the air became, and the trees thinned, replaced by barren fields and vast, snow-covered expanses. At night, the stars were brighter than she had ever seen, and the thought of the North Pole, so far away yet so present in the stillness, filled her with awe. One evening, after a long day's drive, they reached the northernmost town. The houses here were built to withstand the harsh winters, with thick walls and sturdy roofs. Emma and her companions stayed at a small lodge, where the walls were adorned with maps marking routes through the north, and the fireplaces crackled in the corner. Over dinner, a local man spoke of his life in the north, explaining how the northern winds could be both a blessing and a curse. As she lay in bed that night, listening to the wind howling outside, Emma realized that the north was more than just a place. It was a challenge, a test of endurance and willpower. But it was also a place of beauty, where the sky painted itself with colors that no southern sunset could match. The next morning, she and her group ventured to a nearby glacier, and Emma marveled at the ice formations that seemed to stretch forever. This was the north she had dreamed of – harsh yet magnificent. On their way back south, Emma felt a sense of accomplishment. She had traveled far north, but she also knew that the journey had only just begun. The north had tested her in ways she hadn’t expected, and now, she understood it in a way that words couldn’t capture.

The Journey North