-wards

American  

1. variant of -ward.

   towards; afterwards.

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-wards British  

suffix

1. indicating direction towards Compare -ward

   a step backwards

   to sail shorewards

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Spelling

See -ward.

Usage

What does -wards mean? The suffix -wards is used to mean "in the direction of," either in time or space. It is often used in everyday and technical terms.The form -wards comes from Old English -weardes, meaning “towards.”What are variants of -wards?The suffix -wards is more common in British English. In North American English, the variant -ward, as in toward, is more commonly used. Want to know more? Read our Words That Use article on -ward.

Etymology

Origin of -wards

Middle English; Old English -weardes, equivalent to -weard toward ( ward ) + -es -s ¹

Example Sentences

Proposing to earmark £165m each year for three years to tackle waiting lists and elective care is a first for patients in Northern Ireland as it should allow trusts to plan how they'll staff theatres, wards and patient lists.

From BBC

She was in and out of psychiatric wards throughout our girlhood.

From BBC

"At St Thomas' Hospital, where I first trained, the chapel is a place of sanctuary for staff and patients, away from the busy wards. The multi-faith chaplaincy team is on hand to listen, pray or simply sit with those going through life's most difficult and painful moments."

From BBC

This resistance makes treatment extremely challenging and allows the pathogen to persist in hospital wards.

From Science Daily

The company that makes the baby blankets External link used to wrap newborns in delivery wards across the U.S. has just become one of the largest initial public offerings in years.

From Barron's