south

 
Pronunciation: /saʊθ/

noun

(usually the south)
  • 1the direction towards the point of the horizon 90° clockwise from east: the breeze came from the south they trade with the countries to the south
  • the compass point corresponding to south.
  • 2the southern part of the world or of a specified country, region, or town: he was staying in the south of France
  • (usually the South) the southern part of England: his stock acquired a reputation for excellence, especially in the midlands and the south
  • (usually the South) the Southern states of the United States: seven of the Democrats who voted in favour were from the South
  • (usually the South) the less industrialized and economically advanced nations of the world: our economic changes are matched by the alternation of democratic and authoritarian regimes in the south
  • 3 (South) [as name] Bridge the player sitting opposite and partnering North: South’s hand did not look right for a rebid in no trumps

adjective

[attributive]
  • 1lying towards, near, or facing the south: the south coast
  • (of a wind) blowing from the south.
  • 2of or denoting the southern part of an area, city, or country or its inhabitants: South America

adverb

  • 1to or towards the south: they journeyed south along the valley the village is a few miles south of Cambridge
  • 2 (south of) below (a particular amount, cost, etc.): media spending last year was south of $1 million

verb

[no object]
  • move towards the south: the wind southed a point or two
  • (of a celestial object) cross the meridian.

Phrases

down south

informal to or in the south of a country: he has a lovely home down south

go south

informal, chiefly North American fall in value, deteriorate, or fail: Lazio saw his poll numbers go south almost immediately

south by east (or west)

between south and south-south-east (or south-south-west).

Origin:

Old English sūth, of Germanic origin; related to Low German sud