WordGarden.ionorthward
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /nˈɔːθwəd/
US
- /ˈnɔrθwərd/
Meanings
Adverb
toward the north
Adjective
facing, directed, or lying toward the north
Beyond the definition
"Northward" is about moving or looking toward the north. You can picture birds flying northward in spring, travelers going northward across a country, or a river flowing northward toward the sea. It often suggests motion, change, or a clear direction. Sometimes it can also describe something that faces that way, like a northward slope or side. It is more about heading that way than simply being in the north.
"Northward" is an adverb and sometimes an adjective indicating movement or orientation in the direction of the north. While "north" simply denotes a cardinal direction, "northward" emphasizes the process of moving toward that direction.
Imagine a sailor charting a course northward across the ocean, battling waves and winds to reach colder climates. Or picture a river, like the Nile, flowing northward from its source. These examples highlight the dynamic nature of "northward"—it's about progression and flow, not just a fixed location.
Historically, "northward" was often used to describe travel, exploration, and settlement. Tales of Vikings sailing northward into new territories or groups moving northward in search of land, trade, or safety were common in historical narratives.
Today, you might encounter "northward" when discussing animal migrations ("whales migrating northward to feeding grounds"), travel routes, rivers, or large movements such as smoke, clouds, or warm air moving northward. It can also be used figuratively—a character's thoughts might drift "northward" toward memories of a childhood home in the mountains.
So, while simply stating something is "north" tells you where it is, saying it moves "northward" paints a picture of direction, journey, and progression toward the northern regions.
Examples
- 1
Travel
We drove northward for two hours before the mountains came into view.
- 2
Weather
The storm is moving northward along the coast.
- 3
Bird migration
Each spring, the birds begin their northward migration.
- 4
Business expansion
The company has expanded northward into Canada.
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- northwardadjectiveadverbnoun