Leeward refers to the direction or side that is sheltered or away from the wind. The term is usually utilized in the field of meteorology or by sailors to describe the part of a land or waterway that wind does not directly hit. Unlike Windward, which defines the part facing directly towards the wind current, Leeward is the side that is facing away from the incoming wind. This is a particularly important distinction in navigation and weather forecasting as conditions can significantly differ between the windward and leeward sides of an area. For instance, the leeward side of a mountain range is typically drier compared to the windward side due to the weather phenomenon known as a rain shadow.

1. While sailing, it's important to know the difference between the leeward and windward sides of the boat to navigate properly. Leeward refers to the direction away from the wind. 2. Explorers in the desert often build their camps on the leeward side of a dune, to get protection from the high-speed winds. 3. In many cities, smog tends to accumulate on the leeward side of mountains, where wind cannot disperse it. 4. Experienced mountaineers choose to ascend from the leeward side of a mountain when the wind is strong, as there is less wind resistance. 5. Agriculturists prefer to plant wind-sensitive crops on the leeward side of land structures to shield them from potentially harmful winds.

The term "leeward" originates from nautical language and is commonly used to pinpoint a location or direction at sea or in the air. It refers to the opposite direction from where the wind is blowing. Sailors, pilots, and weather forecasters often use this term to navigate or predict weather patterns. But what's interesting is that when it comes to sailing, the leeward direction holds strategic significance. When two sailing vessels are moving in the same direction, the one on the leeward side, also known as the "lee," has the right of way according to sailing rules. This is because the vessel on the leeward side is likely to be blocked by the wind due to the other vessel – as it's "in the shadow" of the wind. A fun yet crucial fact for anyone interested in sailing!