# southward

/ˈsaʊθwɝd/ (US) · /sˈaʊθwəd/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/southward
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

moving or facing toward the south. You use this to describe a direction of travel or the way something points.

For teachers: moving, facing, or directed toward the south. Typically modifies verbs of motion or orientation.

## Examples

- The birds fly southward for the winter.
- After crossing the border, the hikers continued southward until they reached the edge of the forest.
- The expedition shifted its focus southward, hoping to find more hospitable terrain before the onset of the heavy seasonal rains.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He lives in the southward part of town" but "He lives in the southern part of town" — Southward describes direction of movement or orientation; southern is the adjective used to describe a fixed location.

## Usage notes

- Typically placed after the verb or at the end of the clause.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.