Definition

1. Adverb:

   • Toward the stern of a vessel: "sternward" means moving or directed toward the rear part of a ship or boat (the stern). It is a nautical term used to describe direction or movement in relation to a watercraft.

2. Adjective:

   • Situated at or near the stern: "sternward" can also describe the position of something located toward the rear of a ship.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:

  • The captain ordered the crew to move sternward to adjust the sails. (The crew moved toward the back of the ship.)
  • The boat drifted sternward as the wind shifted. (The boat moved backward, toward its rear.)

• Adjective:

  • The sternward cabin offers a better view of the wake. (The cabin located near the rear of the ship.)
  • He secured the rope to a sternward cleat. (He attached the rope to a fitting at the back of the boat.)

Advanced Usage

• "to go sternward": a specific nautical command or description of movement.

  • The lookout went sternward to check the rudder. (The lookout moved to the back of the ship to inspect the steering mechanism.)

• "sternward of": indicating a position relative to another object on the vessel.

  • The lifeboat is stored sternward of the main mast. (The lifeboat is located behind the main mast, closer to the stern.)

Variants and Related Words

• Stern (noun): the rear part of a ship or boat.

  • The stern of the ship was damaged in the collision. (The back section of the vessel.)

• Sternwards (adverb): an alternative form meaning the same as "sternward".

  • The sailors moved sternwards to prepare the anchor. (They moved toward the stern.)

• Sternmost (adjective): farthest toward the stern.

  • The sternmost lifeboat was lowered first. (The lifeboat at the very back of the ship.)

Synonyms

• Aft (adverb): toward the back of a ship.

  • The crew went aft to secure the cargo. (Similar to "sternward", but "aft" is more common in general nautical language.)

• Backward (adverb): toward the rear (less specific, not exclusively nautical).

  • He stepped backward to avoid the spray. (Moving away from the front, but not necessarily on a ship.)

Related Idioms

• "to the stern": a phrase meaning toward the rear of a vessel.

  • The passengers moved to the stern for a better view of the sunset. (They went to the back of the ship.)

• "stern first": describing a direction or manner of movement.

  • The lifeboat was launched stern first into the water. (The rear of the boat entered the water before the bow.)