astern

[ uh-sturn ]

adverb

1. in a position behind a specified vessel or aircraft:

   The cutter was following close astern.

2. in a backward direction:

   The steamer went astern at half speed.

astern

/ əˈstɜːn /

adverb

1. at or towards the stern
2. with the stern first

   full speed astern!

3. aft of the stern of a vessel

Word History and Origins

Origin of astern¹

First recorded in 1620–30; a- ¹ + stern ²

Example Sentences

The Ferraris staged a frantic scrap over the first five laps in which they seemed to spend almost as much time side by side as in line astern.

From BBC

"If you hear three it means you are going astern, if you hear two, it means you are turning to port," he said.

From BBC

Just before dark they were on the other side, and when they looked over their shoulders they saw Elephant Island as a small shadow far astern.

From Literature

“We think there is a boat closing on us from astern.”

From Literature

On the oval track at Alexandria’s Edison High School, they raced in the mile, 100, 200, 400 and 800-meter events — all facing astern.

From Washington Post