rearward

1 of 3

noun

rear·​ward ˈrir-ˌwȯrd How to pronounce rearward (audio)
: rear
especially : the rear division (as of an army)

rearward

2 of 3

adjective

rear·​ward ˈrir-wərd How to pronounce rearward (audio)
1
: located at, near, or toward the rear
2
: directed toward the rear
a rearward glance

rearward

3 of 3

adverb

rear·​ward ˈrir-wərd How to pronounce rearward (audio)
variants or less commonly rearwards
: at, near, or toward the rear : backward
looking rearward

Examples of rearward in a Sentence

Adjective the rearward section of the store got rearward quarters aboard the ship Adverb turned rearward for a moment, just for one final look at the haunting scene
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The top of the Kitchen Cruiser lifts up and rearward to serve as a shelf or extra worktop, exposing the 2.2-kW LPG stove that's included with the kit. New Atlas, 12 Aug. 2024 By rebalancing weight rearward, the new design allows the Stingray to put almost preposterous power to the pavement without sacrificing the comfort and everyday drivability that buyers demand. IEEE Spectrum, 31 Mar. 2020
Adjective
The driver gets an adjustable red bucket seat, while the passenger gets a black seat that is positioned slightly rearward. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 17 Oct. 2024 The dash is bare-bones metal with a few modern touches, such as the nine-inch touchscreen for the Rockford Fosgate audio, and a somewhat gimmicky 12-inch overhead split screen that gives three rearward views from external cameras. Howard Walker, Robb Report, 3 Aug. 2024
Adverb
As do the side vents, and the hood lines that start from the badge and flare outward and rearward, giving the front end more presence. Sean Evans, Robb Report, 5 Aug. 2024 Looking rearward, especially for parking, was a challenge. Evan Williams, Ars Technica, 18 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for rearward 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rearward.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English rerewarde, from Anglo-French rereguard, rerewarde rear guard

Adjective

rear entry 2 + -ward

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

1625, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rearward was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near rearward

Cite this Entry

“Rearward.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rearward. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

rearward

1 of 2 adjective
rear·​ward ˈri(ə)r-wərd How to pronounce rearward (audio)
1
: located at, near, or toward the rear
2
: directed toward the rear : backward
rearwardly adverb

rearward

2 of 2 adverb
variants also rearwards
-wərdz
: at, near, or toward the rear : backward

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