adverb

astern

uh-STURN

Astern (adverb) means Behind a ship or boat, or moving backward. Example: “The tugboat fell astern as the liner picked up speed.”

adverb

Behind a ship or boat, or moving backward.

"The tugboat fell astern as the liner picked up speed."

"The captain ordered "full astern" to slow the ship."

How to use astern

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA nautical term meaning behind a vessel, or moving backward.

When to use it

Mainly used in nautical and maritime contexts.

more astern comparative, most astern superlative

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Test yourself on “astern” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Can you complete this real example?

The tugboat fell _____ as the liner picked up speed.

From "a-" (meaning "toward") plus "stern," the rear part of a ship.

aft abaft

ahead

before head ahead afternoon forth forwards onwards fore

eastern northeastern southeastern

What does “astern” mean?

The word “astern” means behind a ship or boat, or moving backward. In plain terms, a nautical term meaning behind a vessel, or moving backward.

How do you pronounce “astern”?

“Astern” is pronounced uh-STURN (/əˈstɝn/ in IPA).

How do you use “astern” in a sentence?

Here is “astern” used in a sentence: “The tugboat fell astern as the liner picked up speed.”

What is the opposite of “astern”?

The opposite of “astern” — its antonyms — is ahead.

What part of speech is “astern”?

“Astern” is an adverb.

before head ahead afternoon forth forwards onwards fore