westward

1 of 2

adverb or adjective

west·​ward ˈwes-twərd How to pronounce westward (audio)
: toward the west
westwards adverb

westward

2 of 2

noun

: westward direction or part
sail to the westward

Examples of westward 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
Fung-Wong is moving westward towards the island of Yap, Micronesia, according to a statement from the Philippines Office of Civil Defense. Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 6 Nov. 2025 Meanwhile, Jimmy Hallyburton was running for a third term in District 6, which has Boise’s North End and runs westward toward Horseshoe Bend Road, and primarily north of State Street. Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 4 Nov. 2025
Noun
Hurricane Erin is currently making its closest approach to the United States after ten days moving westwards across the Atlantic. Amanda Castro hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Aug. 2025 Iran’s arc of influence extending westwards from the Zagros Mountains to the Eastern Mediterranean, however, continued to serve as a buffer between the Turks and the Saudis. Kamran Bokhari, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for westward

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb Or Adjective

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

circa 1596, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of westward was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Westward.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/westward. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

westward

1 of 2 adverb or adjective
west·​ward ˈwes-twərd How to pronounce westward (audio)
: toward the west
westwards adverb

westward

2 of 2 noun
: westward direction or part

More from Merriam-Webster on westward

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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