earthward

[ urth-werd ]

adverb

1. Also earthwards. toward the earth.

adjective

1. directed toward the earth.

earthward

/ ˈɜːθwəd /

adjective

1. directed towards the earth

adverb

1. a variant of earthwards

Word History and Origins

Origin of earthward¹

First recorded in 1350–1400, earthward is from the Middle English word ertheward. See earth, -ward

Example Sentences

But for some reason, Olga’s aircraft suddenly went plummeting earthward.

From Literature

She had the satisfaction of watching it dive earthward in black smoke before she realized that she, too, had been hit by gunfire.

From Literature

She could also see one of the Po-2s on fire, spinning earthward through the air as its flares exploded.

From Literature

As the birds plunged earthward to gulp water and feast on fatty globs bobbing in treatment ponds, a shadowy figure emerged from the corner of a building holding what looked to be a submachine gun.

From Los Angeles Times

“I poured in the rest of my ammo and he went into a spiraling dive, disappearing into a cloud at about 3,000 feet, still heading earthward.”

From New York Times

Related Words

• downward