Definition: The word "West", or "western" is a verb form of the French expression "west". It describes a region located in the central part of France, particularly in Western Europe. A westward movement is one that moves towards the north or east, typically in response to favorable climatic conditions. This can be seen as an upward movement within the country and its surrounding regions. The word "western" can also refer to the eastern side of a city, which can be a part of a larger urban area. In the context of geography, it is often used synonymously with the term "western United States", which refers to the Western United States, including California, Nevada, and Arizona. This is because the US was primarily dominated by Native American tribes until European explorers arrived in 1492, after which Native Americans were largely replaced by European settlers. In other contexts, such as language or culture, it can be used to refer to a region that is considered more central, particularly in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, or parts of the Middle East. The term "western" also has cultural and historical associations.