southward

1 of 2

adverb or adjective

south·​ward ˈsau̇th-wərd 

: toward the south

southwards

ˈsau̇th-wərdz 

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

Adverb or adjective

The polar vortex, a ring of high-altitude winds, weakens, splits, or reverses as a result of this event, allowing frigid cold Arctic air to move southward into North America and Europe, according to the National Weather Service. —Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 4 Feb. 2026

While Houston won’t see snow or ice, the storm’s circulation is helping funnel colder air southward, keeping temperatures from warming up much on Saturday. —Newsroom Meteorologist, Houston Chronicle, 31 Jan. 2026

Noun

When unstable, the polar vortex can cause the jet stream — a band of strong wind that generally travels from west to east and acts as a boundary between cold, polar air and warmer air farther south — to buckle, sending bitterly cold air from the Arctic southward into North America. —Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 25 Jan. 2026

The fire risk exists in adjacent counties as far north as Woods County and extending southward to Jackson County in the state's southwest corner. —Josh Kelly, Oklahoman, 5 Jan. 2026

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

Kids Definition

southward

adverb or adjective

south·​ward

ˈsau̇th-wərd

: toward the south

southwards

-wərdz

adverb