-wards

American  

1. variant of -ward.

   towards; afterwards.

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-wards British  

suffix

1. indicating direction towards Compare -ward

   a step backwards

   to sail shorewards

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Spelling

See -ward.

Usage

What does -wards mean? The suffix -wards is used to mean "in the direction of," either in time or space. It is often used in everyday and technical terms. The form -wards comes from Old English -weardes, meaning “towards.”What are variants of -wards?The suffix -wards is more common in British English. In North American English, the variant -ward, as in toward, is more commonly used. Want to know more? Read our Words That Use article on -ward.

Etymology

Origin of -wards

Middle English; Old English -weardes, equivalent to -weard toward ( see ward) + -es -s ¹

Example Sentences

Sales increased at an annual rate of 14.9 million units in January, down 7% from 16.1 million in the final month of 2025, according to Wards Intelligence.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 4, 2026

The Wards have lived in their home for 50 years and never experienced this kind of fire event.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 15, 2025

Her district includes downtown Houston and some of the city’s historically Black neighborhoods, including Third and Fifth Wards.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 11, 2023

Her district includes downtown Houston and some of the city’s historically Black neighborhoods, including 3rd and 5th Wards.

From Washington Times • Dec. 11, 2023

“It’s built to keep arcanists locked up. All meshed stone. Wards on the doors and windows.”

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss