rearward

American  

[reer-werd, reer-wawrd] / ˈrɪər wərd, ˈrɪər wɔrd /

adverb

1. Also rearwards. toward or in the rear.

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adjective

1. located in, near, or toward the rear.

2. directed toward the rear.

noun

1. a position at the rear.

   in the rearward of fashion.

2. null rereward the rear division of a military unit; rear guard.

rearward British  

/ ˈrɪəwəd /

adjective

1. Also (for adverb only): rearwards.  towards or in the rear

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noun

1. a position in the rear, esp the rear division of a military formation

Other Word Forms

• rearwardness noun

Etymology

Origin of rearward

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English rerewarde, from Anglo-French. See rear ¹, -ward

Example Sentences

Shifting the center of mass rearward dramatically improved the Corvette’s balance and hotshot acceleration.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 18, 2025

Looked at from above, the rearward tunnels form a kind of bathtub shape reminiscent of that used by Ferrari on their 2022 car, which reduces drag.

From BBC • Feb. 24, 2024

“The only conceivable alternative to the foregoing would be a situation in which the trigger was already pulled or held rearward while retracting the hammer to its full cock position.”

From Seattle Times • Aug. 15, 2023

But after a few months of consistent rearward training, she said she was able to compete in those races with ease.

From Washington Post • Jul. 9, 2022

The center of balance is so narrow that if jockeys shift only slightly rearward, they will flip right off the back.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand

Related Words

• rearwards