rearward

[ reer-werd reer-wawrd ]

adverb

1. Also rearwards. toward or in the rear.

adjective

1. located in, near, or toward the rear.
2. directed toward the rear.

noun

1. a position at the rear:

   in the rearward of fashion.

2. Obsolete, rere·ward. the rear division of a military unit; rear guard.

rearward

/ ˈrɪəwəd /

adjective

1. towards or in the rear Also (for adverb only)rearwards

noun

1. a position in the rear, esp the rear division of a military formation

Other Words From

• rearward·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of rearward¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English rerewarde, from Anglo-French. See rear ¹, -ward

Word History and Origins

Origin of rearward¹

C14 (as a noun: the part of an army positioned behind the main body of troops): from Anglo-French rerewarde , variant of reregarde ; see rearguard

Example Sentences

Looked at from above, the rearward tunnels form a kind of bathtub shape reminiscent of that used by Ferrari on their 2022 car, which reduces drag.

From BBC

But after a few months of consistent rearward training, she said she was able to compete in those races with ease.

From Washington Post

The criminal complaint noted that Potter holstered her handgun on the right side and her Taser on the left, both with their grips facing rearward.

From Seattle Times

My untoward, rearward event occurred the first time I drove at the club’s small, twisty track.

From New York Times

A study published Thursday in the journal Scientific Reports describes groups of blind trilobites, known as Ampyx, all facing in the same direction, apparently maintaining contact via their long rearward spines.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• rearwards