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
Unseasonably warm temperatures are exacerbating the situation, with light winds pushing the smoke southward, the alert said. Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025 The weather service noted that the risk may shift depending on where the cold front sets up, which has been trending southward from earlier forecast models. Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 15 Apr. 2025
Noun
The highest risk is between 3 p.m. and 11 p.m. local time, with the highest risk being areas along I-94 and southward. Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025 Yes, but: When these strong winds slacken, parts of the polar vortex can detach and meander southward, bringing ultra-cold air to southern Canada, the U.S. and Europe. Andrew Freedman, Axios, 31 Dec. 2024 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 2 May. 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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