What does northwestward mean?
Northwestward is an adverb meaning toward the northwest. It is used when describing the direction in which someone or something is moving, such as a journey, a road, a wind, or a view. The word is especially common in formal, literary, geographical, and navigational writing, although it is also standard in ordinary descriptions. It differs from northwest because it explicitly expresses movement toward that direction, while northwest can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb. Northwesterly is related but is more commonly used to describe a wind coming from the northwest. Together, these expressions provide clear distinctions between a general compass direction, movement toward it, and weather conditions associated with it.
Toward the northwest.
"The explorers traveled northwestward across the open country."
Often used in formal or literary contexts; northwest is more common in everyday speech.
Directed toward the northwest.
"The plane followed a northwestward course after leaving the runway."
Less common than the adverb form and typically used before a noun such as course, direction, or movement.
Northwestward is a useful compass word: it combines the directional point northwest with the old English suffix -ward, meaning “in the direction of.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does northwestward come from?
Northwestward is formed from northwest and the suffix -ward, a Germanic element meaning “in the direction of.” The compound northwest combines north and west, with the two directions conventionally understood as a point between them. The form has been used in English since the early modern period and reflects the long-established practice of describing movement with directional words ending in -ward.
Related word forms
How northwestward is actually used
Northwestward is formal and literary in many contexts, though it remains standard in modern writing. It is less common than the shorter adverb northwest.
Easily confused with northwestward
Northwestward describes motion or direction toward the northwest, while northwestern is an adjective relating to the northwest region or its people.
Northwestward indicates a direction of travel, whereas northwesterly more often describes a wind or course coming from the northwest.