1
: in, at, or toward the back of a boat or ship : in, at, or toward the stern
The island lay astern (of us) [=the island was behind us] as we sailed east.
2
of a boat or ship
: in a reverse direction
The ship went full speed astern.
Cite this Entry
“Astern.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/astern. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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