westward

1 of 2

adverb or adjective

west·​ward ˈwes-twərd How to pronounce westward (audio)
: toward the west
westwards 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
Easterly winds aloft pushed smoke westward towards the coast while generally light diurnal winds were felt on the fires. Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 8 July 2025 Congress’ stance toward public land shifted as settlers moved westward, violently displacing tribal nations. Abe Streep, ProPublica, 8 July 2025
Noun
Fans will have to stay up late to see the team play because of their westward travels. Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 30 June 2025 Mookie Betts was the first to make the westward pilgrimage when the Red Sox dealt him to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2020. Andy McCullough, New York Times, 18 June 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Westward.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/westward. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

westward

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

westward

2 of 2 noun
: westward direction or part

More from Merriam-Webster on westward

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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