southward

1 of 2

adverb or adjective

south·​ward ˈsau̇th-wərd How to pronounce southward (audio)
: toward the south
southwards adverb

southward

2 of 2

noun

: southward direction or part
sail to the southward

Examples of southward 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
During winter in the Northern Hemisphere, the polar vortex often expands, pushing cold air southward along with the jet stream. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 13 Feb. 2025 The blast of Arctic air, which has meant parts of North Dakota reached minus 55 degrees Fahrenheit this week when the wind chill factor is added in, will move southward to the Ohio Valley and the central Appalachians by Friday, with temperatures 25 to 35 degrees below seasonal averages. Patrick Smith, NBC News, 12 Feb. 2025
Noun
Canada is expected to also be sending fewer electronics and electronic equipment southwards. Katharina Buchholz, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025 With open seas to the south of it, the site allows for direct southward launches over the Indian Ocean. Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for southward

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 southward was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Southward.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/southward. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

southward

adverb or adjective
south·​ward
ˈsau̇th-wərd
: toward the south
southwards
-wərdz
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on southward

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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