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
Why Fall Foliage Is So Spectacular Each year, the palette of fall is displayed a little differently, as the trees change their colors in patches or in great waves rushing southward across the region. Caroline Rogers, Southern Living, 30 Aug. 2025 The National Weather Service said waterspouts could form late Wednesday and continue into Thursday as a cold front moves southward. Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Noun
Further southwards, towards the horizon and to the right of Vega is Altair, the eye of Aquila, the Eagle. Jesse Emspak, Space.com, 22 Aug. 2025 Saturday night into Sunday, forecasters said, a shortwave trough of low atmospheric pressure out of Colorado will help drive a cold front southward into the Texas Panhandle. Roberto Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 11 July 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 11 Sep. 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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