north·east·ern \-tə(r)n, -R also -tən\adjective Etymology:northeast (II) + -ern (as in eastern) 1.often capitalized: of, relating to, originating or dwelling in, or characteristic of a region (as of the United States) conventionally designated Northeast < northeastern seaports > < northeastern schools > 2.: situated toward or coming from the northeast < the northeastern suburbs of a city >