WordGarden.iowestbound
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /wˈɛstbaʊnd/
US
- /ˈwɛstˌbaʊnd/
Meanings
Adjective
moving or directed toward the west
Adverb
toward the west
Beyond the definition
"Westbound" describes movement or direction toward the west. You will often see it in travel and transportation: a train can be westbound, a highway can have westbound lanes, and a flight can be westbound too. It can also describe other things that move in that direction, such as birds or travelers. The opposite of westbound is eastbound.
The word "westbound" paints a picture of a journey in a clear direction. It means traveling or moving toward the west. It is most commonly used for transportation, so you may hear about westbound traffic, a westbound train, a westbound bus, or a westbound flight. In each case, the word helps you understand which way something is going.
"Westbound" is not limited to vehicles, though. You could describe migratory birds as flying westbound or a group of travelers moving westbound across a region. The word usually appears when direction matters, especially in signs, maps, travel updates, and route descriptions.
Historically, words like "westbound" were useful for travel, trade, and navigation. Today, the word is still practical and common, especially when people need to give clear travel information. If a sign says a road is for westbound traffic, or an announcement says a westbound train is arriving, you immediately know the direction of travel.
Examples
- 1
Train route
We took the westbound train and got off at the next stop.
- 2
Traffic direction
Westbound traffic was backed up for miles after the accident.
- 3
Station platform
Make sure you're on the westbound platform before the train arrives.
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- westboundadjective