forth

1 of 2

adverb

ˈfȯrth 

1

: onward in time, place, or order : forward

from that day forth

2

: out into notice or view

put forth leaves

lava bursting forth from the volcano

3

obsolete : away, abroad

forth

2 of 2

preposition

archaic

: forth from : out of

Synonyms

Adverb

• ahead
• forward
• on
• onward
• onwards

Examples of forth in a Sentence

Adverb

a flow of lava bursting forth from the earth

The snow is gone and the flowers are ready to spring forth.

He went forth to spread the news.

She stretched forth her hands in prayer.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adverb

Back at Kia Center for the first time in two weeks, coach Jamahl Mosley’s Magic fought back and forth against the Spurs on Saturday night searching for momentum to build off in order to get their season back on track. —Jason Beede, Orlando Sentinel, 9 Feb. 2025

Recent weeks saw the issue of bias in refereeing become a public debate between Madrid coach Ancelotti and his Atletico counterpart Diego Simeone, with both men snapping back and forth at each other at various times. —Dermot Corrigan, The Athletic, 8 Feb. 2025

Preposition

In January, Ramaphosa signed a bill into law that sets forth new guidelines for land expropriation, including enabling the government to expropriate land without compensation in some cases. —Alejandra Jaramillo, CNN, 8 Feb. 2025

Explore See latest videos, charts and news This week, LISA is reincarnated alongside Doja Cat and Raye, while Anitta sets forth on a new era. —Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 7 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adverb and Preposition

Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old English for

First Known Use

Adverb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Preposition

circa 1575, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing forth

• and so forth
• back and forth
• bring forth
• call forth
• forth of
• from that day forth
• from that day forth/forward
• hold forth
• put forth
• sally forth
• send forth
• set forth

Kids Definition

forth

adverb

ˈfō(ə)rth,

ˈfȯ(ə)rth

1

: forward entry 2, onward

from that time forth

back and forth

2

: out into view

plants putting forth leaves

Geographical Definition

Forth

geographical name

ˈfȯrth 

river 116 miles (187 kilometers) long in south central Scotland flowing east into the Firth of Forth, an estuary 48 miles (77 kilometers) long that is an inlet of the North Sea