poleward

adverb or adjective

pole·ward ˈpōl-wərd

: toward or in the direction of a pole of the earth

as the sun moves poleward

poleward variation in temperature

Examples of poleward in a Sentence

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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.

Other scientists say further research is required, questioning whether there’s evidence for a shift poleward and, if there is one, the cause of it. — Joshua Goodman, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2023 In a few places, including Australia and Japan, coral appear to be migrating poleward, beginning to occupy new places. — Catrin Einhorn, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2024 Its northern edge shifted as much as 300 miles farther poleward, leading to unprecedented warm waters in the surrounding region. — Chris Mooney, CNN Money, 17 Dec. 2025 Even though the suitable water temperatures for corals are forecast to expand poleward by about 25 miles (40 kilometers) per decade, corals would face other challenges in new environments. — Noam Vogt-Vincent, The Conversation, 6 June 2025 During the last decade — when ocean temperatures were the warmest on record — for every one-degree Celsius increase in water temps above average, tiger shark migrations extended farther poleward by roughly 250 miles. — Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 15 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of poleward was in 1835

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Style

“Poleward.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/poleward. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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poleward

adverb or adjective

Examples of poleward in a Sentence

Word History

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