northward

1 of 2

adverb or adjective

north·​ward ˈnȯrth-wərd How to pronounce northward (audio)
: toward the north
northwards
ˈnȯrth-wərdz How to pronounce northward (audio)
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
Evacuation orders covered about 230 square miles from the Lemmon and Golden valleys northward. — Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026 Scientists say climate change is helping the germs proliferate and spread northward. — ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026
Noun
The fireball entered the atmosphere somewhere over Utah and passed northwards, leaving the atmosphere over Alberta, Canada about 100 seconds later. — Tariq Malik, Space.com, 10 Aug. 2026 Eastern North Pacific Basin – From the Equator northward, east of 140°W longitude, including western coastal areas of Mexico, and Central and South America. — Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 12 May 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

North Vancouver
northward
northwardly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Northward.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/northward. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

northward

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

More from Merriam-Webster on northward

Nglish: Translation of northward for Spanish Speakers

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