onward

1 of 2

adverb

on·​ward ˈȯn-wərd How to pronounce onward (audio)
ˈän-
variants or less commonly onwards
: toward or at a point lying ahead in space or time : forward

onward

2 of 2

adjective

: directed or moving onward : forward

Examples of onward in a Sentence

Adverb They have lived in that house from 1983 onward. we must continue to move onward, or we will die in this desert
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
Most of Leadville’s historical displays focus on the mining era from 1860 onward. James Dziezynski, Outside Online, 10 Nov. 2024 Since June onward, there’s definitely been a bit of an uptick. Bethy Squires, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2024
Adjective
The new airport in Nuuk puts the capital city at the heart of transit links in the country; previously, international travelers had to fly into Kangerlussuaq, an old US air base located in the center of the west coast, and then transfer to a smaller plane for any onward travel. Laura Hall, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Nov. 2024 The Federal Reserve kicked off interest rate cuts in September with an aggressive half percentage point reduction, despite concerns about the onward path of disinflation. Jenni Reid, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for onward 

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of onward was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near onward

Cite this Entry

“Onward.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/onward. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

onward

1 of 2 adverb
on·​ward ˈȯn-wərd How to pronounce onward (audio)
ˈän-
variants also onwards
: toward or at a point lying ahead in space or time : forward
kept moving onward

onward

2 of 2 adjective
: directed or moving onward
the onward march of time

More from Merriam-Webster on onward

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!