westward

1 of 2

adverb or adjective

west·​ward ˈwes-twərd How to pronounce westward (audio)
: toward the west
westwards
ˈwes-twərdz How to pronounce westward (audio)
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
In this case, that view is westward, into the Valley, or eastward, farther into California, and then into the rest of the country, as the road evolves into Route 66. — Vanessa Anderson, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026 El Niño occurs naturally every few years, when the Pacific trade winds that typically blow westward — from the Americas to Southeast Asia — either slow down or reverse course. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 13 Oct. 2026
Noun
The winter season, running from January 2 to March 20, includes a new westward reach into the Greater Antilles, with first calls in the Dominican Republic, Martinique, Guadeloupe, and the Grenadines made at a gentle pace. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 21 Oct. 2026 Put the paths of 1991, 2009 and 2027 on a globe, and the approximately 120-degree westward jump between successive members becomes immediately obvious. — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 6 Oct. 2026 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

Rhymes for westward

See All Rhymes for westward

Browse Nearby Words

West Virginian
westward
westwardly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Westward.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/westward. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

westward

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

westward

2 of 2 noun
: westward direction or part
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