sternward
8.1
Toward the back of a ship or boat
- adverb
- /ˈstɜrnwərd/
- Specialized
:
a popa
- The children ran sternward, excited to catch a glimpse of the dolphins jumping.
Examples
-
And winds from sternward, bore us onward with belly and canvas.
-
The captain instructed the crew to gather all supplies from sternward of the boat.
-
As we sailed into the harbor, we noticed the fishing nets trailing sternward.
Synonyms
51
7.0
Near the back of a ship or the tail of a plane
is broader, applying to rear direction of ships, boats, or other vehicles
astern
vssternward
1
7.9
Toward the rear of a ship or plane
means toward the rear position rather than backward movement
rearward
vssternward
1
7.0
Located at or pointing toward the back of something
is specific to the rear of ships, boats, or vehicles rather than general use
9.9
Towards the back of a ship or plane
is broader, including boats and other vehicles beyond ships
tailward
vssternward
7.3
Toward the back end of an animal or object
refers to rear of ships, boats, or vehicles not animal tails
Surface Forms
sternward positive
Morphology
Etymology
Sternward is made of stern ('the back of a ship') plus -ward ('toward'), like forward, so as an adverb it means moving or looking 'toward' the rear of a ship.