southward

1 of 2

adverb or adjective

south·​ward ˈsau̇th-wərd How to pronounce southward (audio)
: toward the south
southwards
ˈsau̇th-wərdz How to pronounce southward (audio)
adverb

southward

2 of 2

noun

: southward direction or part
sail to the southward

Examples of southward in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adverb or adjective
Since the jet stream tends to be displaced southward during El Niño, colder air can dig further south too. — Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026 The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration observed a large plume of smoke extending southward over the Pacific Ocean. — Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026
Noun
Friday will bring highs in the upper 70s and wet weather from the metro southward in the morning hours. — Chris Shaffer, CBS News, 30 July 2026 The system then turned southeastward and southward before dissipating just west of northern Portugal on October 15. — Laura Payne, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for southward

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb Or Adjective

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of southward was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Southumbrian
southward
southwardly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Southward.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/southward. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

southward

adverb or adjective
south·​ward
ˈsau̇th-wərd
: toward the south
southwards
-wərdz
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on southward

Nglish: Translation of southward for Spanish Speakers

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