Definition

1. Adverb:
   • Toward the west: In the direction of the west.
2. Adjective:
   • Moving or facing toward the west: Describing movement or orientation in a westerly direction.
3. Noun:
   • A westward direction or the western part of a place: The direction or region that is to the west.

Usage and Examples

• Adverb:
  • The settlers moved westward in search of new land.
  • The storm is tracking westward across the plains.
• Adjective:
  • They began their westward journey at dawn.
  • The westward expansion of the railroad was a major project.
• Noun (less common):
  • The wind is coming from the westward.
  • They explored the vast westward of the continent.

Advanced Usage

• "Westward, ho!": A historical cry or expression associated with the westward expansion and migration, particularly in American history.
  • With cries of "Westward, ho!" the wagon train set off.

Variants and Related Words

• Westwards (Adverb): An alternative form of the adverb "westward," meaning the same thing. It is more commonly used in British English.
  • The fleet sailed westwards.
• Westbound (Adjective): Specifically meaning traveling or leading toward the west.
  • The westbound lane of the highway was closed.

Synonyms

• Adverb/Adjective: Westbound, westerly.
• Noun: West, occident (poetic or formal).

Antonyms

• Adverb/Adjective: Eastward, eastbound.
• Noun: East, orient (poetic or formal).

Adjective

1. moving toward the west
   • westbound pioneers

Adverb

1. toward the west
   • they traveled westward toward the setting sun

Noun

1. the cardinal compass point that is a 270 degrees