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adv B1 Intermediate Uncommon

westward

WEHST-wuhd

Westward (adv) means Toward the west. Example: “The wagon train pushed westward across the plains.”

adv
1
Toward the west.
"The wagon train pushed westward across the plains."
"We drove westward as the sun began to set ahead of us."
adj
1
Moving or facing toward the west.
"They began their westward journey at dawn."

How to use westward

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishToward the west.

Common pairings
westward expansion head westward westward journey

Word forms

more westward comparative, more westward comparative, most westward superlative, most westward superlative

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The wagon train pushed _____ across the plains.

Etymology

From Old English westweard, combining west with -weard, the ancestor of the modern suffix "-ward" (as in "homeward" or "onward").

Origin: Old English

Related words

Frequently asked questions

What does “westward” mean?

The word “westward” means toward the west. In plain terms, toward the west.

How do you pronounce “westward”?

“Westward” is pronounced WEHST-wuhd (/ˈwɛst.wɚd/ in IPA).

How do you use “westward” in a sentence?

Here is “westward” used in a sentence: “The wagon train pushed westward across the plains.”

What part of speech is “westward”?

Depending on how it is used, “westward” can be an adverb and an adjective.

Where does the word “westward” come from?

The word “westward” comes from Old English. From Old English westweard, combining west with -weard, the ancestor of the modern suffix "-ward" (as in "homeward" or "onward").

Is “westward” a common word?

“Westward” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

How many meanings does “westward” have?

“Westward” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: toward the west.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial