Definition

1. Adverb:

   • In a direction toward the north: Moving or facing in the direction of the geographic north.

2. Adjective:

   • Moving, facing, or situated toward the north: Describing something that is oriented or directed north.

3. Noun:

   • The direction or region to the north: The cardinal compass point of north, or a location or area lying in that direction.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:

  • The birds migrate northward in the spring.
  • We continued driving northward along the coast.

• Adjective:

  • They followed the northward course of the river.
  • A northward shift in the wind brought colder air.

• Noun (less common):

  • The explorers set their sights on the northward. (Meaning: the northern direction or region)

Advanced Usage

• "To the northward": An older or more formal phrase meaning "in a northerly direction" or "toward the north."
  • The fleet sailed to the northward of the island.

Variants and Related Words

• Northwards (Adverb): A variant form of the adverb "northward," identical in meaning.

  • The road extends northwards for fifty miles.

• Northbound (Adjective): Specifically meaning traveling or leading toward the north.

  • The northbound train is on platform two.

Synonyms

• North (Adverb): In, toward, or facing the north.
• Northerly (Adjective/Adverb): In or toward the north; from the north.

Related Phrases

• In a northward direction: A more descriptive phrase equivalent to the adverb "northward."
  • The valley stretches in a northward direction.

Adjective

1. moving toward the north
   • the northbound lane
   • we took the north train
   • the northward flow of traffic

Adverb

1. in a northern direction
   • they earn more up north
   • Let's go north!

Noun

1. the cardinal compass point that is at 0 or 360 degrees