Dictionary
1-ward
adjective suffix
: that moves, tends, faces, or is directed toward
: that occurs or is located in the direction of
Full Definition of -WARD
1
: that moves, tends, faces, or is directed toward <riverward>
2
: that occurs or is situated in the direction of <leftward>
Variants of -WARD
-ward also -wards
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of -WARD
-ward from Middle English, from Old English -weard; akin to Old High German -wart, -wert -ward, Latin vertere to turn; -wards from -wards, adverb suffix — more at worth
2-ward
adverb suffix
: in or toward a (specified) direction
Full Definition of -WARD
1
: in a (specified) spatial or temporal direction <upward> <afterward>
2
: toward a (specified) point, position, or area <earthward>
Variants of -WARD
-ward or -wards
Origin of -WARD
-ward from Middle English, from Old English -weard, from -weard, adjective suffix; -wards from Middle English, from Old English -weardes, genitive singular neuter of -weard, adjective suffix
-WARD Defined for Kids
1-ward
adjective suffix \wərd\
Definition of -WARD for Kids
1
: that moves, faces, or is pointed toward <windward>
2
: that is found in the direction of
Variants of -WARD
-ward also -wards \wərdz\
2-ward
adverb suffix
Definition of -WARD for Kids
1
: in a specified direction <upward>
2
: toward a specified place
Variants of -WARD
-ward or -wards
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up -ward? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).