westward

1 of 2

adverb or adjective

west·​ward ˈwes-twərd How to pronounce westward (audio)
: toward the west
westwards adverb

westward

2 of 2

noun

: westward direction or part
sail to the westward

Examples of westward 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
Since that night, Mars has been tracing a path westward against the star background. Joe Rao, Space.com, 17 Feb. 2025 As the ongoing trauma becomes overwhelming, Jesse impulsively flees her urban setting, driving ever westward to points unknown, ending up among the redwoods in Northern California. Frank Rizzo, Variety, 14 Feb. 2025
Noun
Continuing westward, Mars formed a different type of isosceles triangle with Pollux and Castor on Feb. 2, with Pollux marking the vertex and Mars and Castor forming the base. Joe Rao, Space.com, 17 Feb. 2025 The high-pressure system may 'retrograde' westward toward the Gulf of Alaska, in the opposite direction of motion of typical weather systems. Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for westward

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb Or Adjective

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

circa 1596, in the meaning defined above

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

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Cite this Entry

“Westward.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/westward. Accessed 26 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

westward

1 of 2 adverb or adjective
west·​ward ˈwes-twərd How to pronounce westward (audio)
: toward the west
westwards adverb

westward

2 of 2 noun
: westward direction or part

More from Merriam-Webster on westward

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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