First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1south
adverb \ˈsau̇th\
: to or toward the south
: into a worse state or condition
Full Definition of SOUTH
1
: to, toward, or in the south <a house facing south>
2
: into a state of decline or ruin <causes the sluggish economy to go south — G. F. Will>
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Origin of SOUTH
Middle English, from Old English sūth; akin to Old High German sund- south and probably to Old English sunne sun
2south
adjective
: located in or toward the south
: coming from the south
Full Definition of SOUTH
1
: situated toward or at the south <the south entrance>
2
: coming from the south <a south wind>
See south defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of SOUTH
12th century
3south
noun
: the direction that is to your right when you are facing the rising sun : the direction that is the opposite of north
: regions or countries south of a certain point; especially : the southern part of the U.S.
Full Definition of SOUTH
1
a : the direction of the south terrestrial pole : the direction to the right of one facing east b : the compass point directly opposite to north
2
capitalized : regions or countries lying to the south of a specified or implied point of orientation; especially : the southeastern part of the United States
3
: the right side of a church looking toward the altar from the nave
4
often capitalized a : the one of four positions at 90-degree intervals that lies to the south or at the bottom of a diagram b : a person (as a bridge player) occupying this position in the course of a specified activity; specifically : the declarer in bridge
5
often capitalized : the developing nations of the world : third world 3 — compare north 2b
See south defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of SOUTH
13th century
South
biographical name \ˈsau̇th\
Definition of SOUTH
Robert 1634–1716 Eng. clergyman
SOUTH Defined for Kids
1south
adverb \ˈsau̇th\
Definition of SOUTH for Kids
: to or toward the south <The cabin faces south.>
2south
adjective
Definition of SOUTH for Kids
: placed toward, facing, or coming from the south <a south wind>
3south
noun
Definition of SOUTH for Kids
1
: the direction to the right of someone facing east : the compass point opposite to north
2
cap : regions or countries south of a point that is mentioned or understood
South
geographical name
Definition of SOUTH for Kids
island S New Zealand
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