southward

1 of 2

adverb or adjective

south·​ward ˈsau̇th-wərd How to pronounce southward (audio)
: toward the south
southwards
ˈsau̇th-wərdz How to pronounce southward (audio)
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
After the solstice, the sun’s path will appear to reverse and head southward in the sky. — Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 19 June 2026 After this weekend, the sun will begin its slow retreat southward in the sky, and daylight in the Northern Hemisphere will gradually shorten. — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026
Noun
All of which has led to the dramatic tipping southward of the nation’s demographic center. — Patrik Jonsson, Christian Science Monitor, 27 Mar. 2026 Temperatures from the Mid-Atlantic southward are forecast to remain in the upper 80s and 90s through at least the weekend. — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 19 May 2026 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

Southumbrian
southward
southwardly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Southward.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/southward. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

southward

adverb or adjective
south·​ward
ˈsau̇th-wərd
: toward the south
southwards
-wərdz
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on southward

Nglish: Translation of southward for Spanish Speakers

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