rearward

American  

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

adverb

1. Also rearwards. toward or in the rear.

---

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

---

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

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

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

From Washington Post

The criminal complaint noted that Potter holstered her handgun on the right side and her Taser on the left, both with their grips facing rearward.

From Seattle Times

My untoward, rearward event occurred the first time I drove at the club’s small, twisty track.

From New York Times

Related Words

• rearwards