adjective
- lying toward or situated in the east: the eastern half of the island.
- directed or proceeding toward the east: an eastern route.
- coming from the east: an eastern wind.
- (often initial capital letter) of or relating to the East in the U.S.: an eastern congressman.
- (initial capital letter) of or relating to the Eastern Church or to any of the churches comprising it.
- (usually initial capital letter) of, relating to, or characteristic of the East; Oriental.
- (usually initial capital letter) (formerly) of or relating to the Soviet Union and its allies.
adjective
- situated in or towards the east
- facing or moving towards the east
Old English easterne “of the east, from the east; oriental; of the Eastern Orthodox Church; of the eastern part of the globe,” from east + -erne, suffix denoting direction. Cf. Old Saxon ostroni, Old High German ostroni, Old Norse austroenn. Eastern Shore of Maryland and Virginia so called from 1620s.