northward

1 of 2

adverb or adjective

north·​ward ˈnȯrth-wərd How to pronounce northward (audio)
: toward the north
northwards adverb

northward

2 of 2

noun

: northward direction or part
sail to the northward

Examples of northward in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adverb or adjective
The study authors believe the proliferation of power plants in Florida in the early 20th century, coupled with the ending of the Little Ice Age, allowed manatees to expand their range northward. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Nov. 2024 Some or most of the rest will be drawn northward into the central Gulf Coast region this week to bring downpours to Louisiana, Alabama and parts of Georgia, AccuWeather meteorologist Grady Gilman said, as part of a cold front moving over the lower Mississippi Valley. Alexis Simmerman, Austin American-Statesman, 11 Nov. 2024
Noun
Environmental conditions are forecast to be conducive for development, and a tropical depression could form during the early or middle part of next week while the system moves slowly northwestward to northward over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico. Robbie Farias, Austin American-Statesman, 7 Sep. 2024 The Louisville location is the first in a multi-store northward push into Kentucky. Matthew Glowicki, The Courier-Journal, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for northward 

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb Or Adjective

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of northward was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near northward

Cite this Entry

“Northward.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/northward. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

northward

adverb or adjective
north·​ward
ˈnȯrth-wərd
: toward the north
northwards
-wərdz
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on northward

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