astern

[ uh-sturn ]

adverb

1. in a position behind a specified vessel or aircraft:

   The cutter was following close astern.

2. in a backward direction:

   The steamer went astern at half speed.

astern

/ əˈstɜːn /

adverb

1. at or towards the stern
2. with the stern first

   full speed astern!

3. aft of the stern of a vessel

Word History and Origins

Origin of astern¹

First recorded in 1620–30; a- ¹ + stern ²

Example Sentences

Boat after boat came up and made fast astern of the dandy vessel, and soon the decks were crowded with merry groups.

From Project Gutenberg

His boat was astern, so he jumped over the counter and sculled himself straight to the Mission smack.

From Project Gutenberg

The patrol-ship was on station; she was lost far astern before she could gather speed for pursuit.

From Project Gutenberg

He had stood thus for some time, when turning round, and looking astern, the cutter was no longer to be seen.

From Project Gutenberg

Then a wave would come aboard astern, rolling in and nearly filling the cockpit.

From Project Gutenberg