Definition of toward
1 : in the direction of driving toward town
2a : along a course leading to a long stride toward disarmamentb : in relation to an attitude toward life
3a : at a point in the direction of : near a cottage somewhere up toward the lakeb : in such a position as to be in the direction of your back was toward me
4 : not long before toward the end of the afternoon
5a : in the way of help or assistance in did all he could toward raising campaign fundsb : for the partial payment of proceeds go toward the establishment of a scholarship
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First Known Use of toward
before 12th century
Definition of toward
1 or less commonly towardsplay play play \ˈtō-ərdz, ˈtȯ(-ə)rdz\ [Middle English towardes, from Old English tōweardes, preposition, toward, from tōweard, adjective] a : coming soon : imminentb : happening at the moment : afoot
2a obsolete : quick to learn : aptb : propitious, favoring a toward breeze
Examples of toward in a Sentence
The bus is heading toward town.
She took a step toward the door.
They live out towards the edge of town.
We're thinking of taking a vacation towards the end of the month.
Efforts toward peace have been largely unsuccessful.
Origin and Etymology of toward
Middle English toward, from Old English tōweard facing, imminent, from tō, preposition, to + -weard -ward
TOWARD Defined for English Language Learners
toward
playDefinition of toward for English Language Learners
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: in the direction of (something or someone)
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—used to indicate the direction faced by something
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: near (a particular place)
TOWARD Defined for Kids
toward
playtowards
\ˈtō-ərdz, tə-ˈwȯrdz\Definition of toward for Students
1 : in the direction of We're heading toward town.
2 : along a course leading to They made efforts toward peace.
3 : in regard to I like his attitude toward life.
4 : so as to face Their backs were toward me.
5 : 2near I awoke toward morning.
6 : as part of the payment for She put money toward a new car.
Learn More about toward
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for toward Spanish Central: Translation of toward Nglish: Translation of toward for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of toward for Arabic speakers
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