northward

American  

[nawrth-werd, nawr-therd] / ˈnɔrθ wərd, ˈnɔr ðərd /

adverb

1. Also northwards, northwardly. toward the north.

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adjective

1. Also northwardly. moving, bearing, facing, or situated toward the north.

noun

1. the northward part, direction, or point.

northward British  

/ ˈnɔːðəd, ˈnɔːθwəd /

adjective

1. moving, facing, or situated towards the north

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noun

1. the northward part, direction, etc; the north

adverb

1. a variant of northwards

Other Word Forms

• northwardly adjective

Etymology

Origin of northward

before 1100; Middle English; Old English northweard. See north, -ward

Example Sentences

"In addition, the return of more than 600,000 residents of southern Lebanon who evacuated northward will be completely prohibited south of the Litani until the safety and security of northern residents are ensured," he added.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

This large-scale system influences global climate by carrying warm, salty surface waters northward and sending cooler waters back toward the tropics at depth.

From Science Daily • Dec. 7, 2025

The New World Screwworm has rapidly spread northward from Panama since 2023 and farther into Central America.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 17, 2025

"Such interactions during the peak monsoon season are uncommon since western disturbances typically retreat northward during this time," said Mr Deoras.

From BBC • Sep. 8, 2025

The schools were an ever-spreading network from the south stretching northward, on our heels like a bushfire.

From "The Marrow Thieves" by Cherie Dimaline