1. plural of leeward; the direction or side toward which the wind is blowing; the downwind side
Usage: nautical; often used in plural or as a collective direction

1. situated on or moving toward the side sheltered from the wind; downwind
Usage: nautical; plural form used attributively

Examples

• The sailors steered the ship toward the leewards to escape the storm.
• The leewards of the island provided shelter from the strong ocean winds.
• We positioned the boats on the leewards side of the harbor.
• The captain ordered the crew to move cargo to the leewards deck.
• Birds often gather on the leewards slopes of mountains where winds are gentler.