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Glite Dictionary
NNW

NNW

3.9
A compass direction halfway between north and northwest at 337.5 degrees
  • noun
translation icon : NNO
  • Sailors adjusted their course to head NNW to avoid the incoming storm.
  • NNW winds

Examples

  • (The winds at this site are predominately from the NNW.)

    Academic text (1997)

  • The weather report indicated that the winds will be coming from the NNW at speeds of 20 to 30 mph.

  • During the storm, the gusts shifted to NNW, reaching up to 35 mph.

Synonyms

north-northwest
vsNNW
1 3.6

The direction halfway between north and northwest

is the same direction but uses a shortened notation on instruments
nor'-nor'-west
vsNNW
  • Archaic
9.9

A compass point halfway between north and northwest

is the same direction but shown as a short compass label

Surface Forms

NNW singular
NNWs plural

Etymology

NNW is a short form made from N ('north') and NW ('northwest'), so it means 'north-northwest'. Think of it as the point halfway between 'north' and 'northwest' on a compass, which is why maps and sailors use NNW to show that direction.