north·ward I. \ˈnȯrthwərd, ˈnȯ(ə)thwəd\adverb (or adjective) Etymology: Middle English, from Old English northweard, from north (I) + -weard -ward : toward the north < sailing northward > < a journey northward > < the northward flight of birds > II. noun (-s) : northward direction or part < sailing to the northward >