poleward

American  

[pohl-werd] / ˈpoʊl wərd /

adverb

1. Also polewards. toward a pole of the earth; toward the North or South Pole.

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adjective

1. facing or moving toward the North or South Pole.

Etymology

Origin of poleward

First recorded in 1870–75; pole ² + -ward

Example Sentences

In some places, the average location where tropical cyclones reach their peak intensity has shifted poleward - for example the western North Pacific.

From BBC • Oct. 28, 2025

Some evidence even points to poleward flows at the base of the zone, challenging traditional dynamo theories.

From Science Daily • Oct. 14, 2025

The atmosphere above us is always seeking equilibrium, Kovacik said — “so it is always trying to pull warm air poleward and cold air equatorward.”

From Seattle Times • May 12, 2023

In contrast, the larger numbers of whales in the southwest Pacific Ocean are heading poleward at certain times of the year, suggesting krill are still plentiful in that ocean basin.

From Science Magazine • Feb. 26, 2023

The increased density implies increased weight, and the cloud particles, as they sail poleward, descend toward the surface of the earth.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 455, September 20, 1884 by Various