toward
Americanpreposition
-
in the direction of.
to walk toward the river.
-
with a view to obtaining or having; for.
They're saving money toward a new house.
-
in the area or vicinity of; near.
Our cabin is toward the top of the hill.
-
turned to; facing.
Her back was toward me.
-
shortly before; close to.
toward midnight.
-
as a help or contribution to.
to give money toward a person's expenses.
-
with respect to; as regards.
his attitude toward women.
adjective
-
about to come soon; imminent.
-
going on; in progress; afoot.
There is work toward.
-
propitious; favorable.
-
Obsolete.
-
promising or apt, as a student.
-
compliant; docile.
-
adjective
-
rare in progress; afoot
-
obsolete about to happen; imminent
-
obsolete promising or favourable
preposition
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of toward
First recorded before 900; Middle English; Old English tōweard; equivalent to to + -ward
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Learning how it works is the first step toward getting the right care and taking control of your life again.
From BBC ● Aug. 23, 2026
Video captured by KBAK/KBFX showed crowds of spectators and football players in full gear sprinting toward the exits.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 23, 2026
Authorities described traffic jams and chaotic scenes as evacuees tried to flee in their cars and firefighters headed toward the blaze.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 23, 2026
Its material is more concentrated toward the center, with an onion-like internal structure.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 23, 2026
She walks toward the front of the building, where coordinating green picnic tables sit beneath a canopy, with vehicles parked on either side.
From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
