Definition of toward
Origin of toward
Middle English toward, from Old English tōweard facing, imminent, from tō, preposition, to + -weard -ward
First Known Use: before 12th century
Simple Definition of toward
: in the direction of (something or someone)
—used to indicate the direction faced by something
: near (a particular place)
Full Definition of toward
1 : in the direction of <driving toward town>
2a : along a course leading to <a long stride toward disarmament>b : in relation to <an attitude toward life>
3a : at a point in the direction of : near <a cottage somewhere up toward the lake>b : in such a position as to be in the direction of <your back was toward me>
4 : not long before <toward the end of the afternoon>
5a : in the way of help or assistance in <did all he could toward raising campaign funds>b : for the partial payment of <proceeds go toward the establishment of a scholarship>
Examples of toward in a sentence
The bus is heading toward town.
She took a step toward the door.
They live out towards the edge of town.
We're thinking of taking a vacation towards the end of the month.
Efforts toward peace have been largely unsuccessful.
Before 12th Century
First Known Use of toward
before 12th century
TOWARD Defined for Kids
Definition of toward for Students
1 : in the direction of <We're heading toward town.>
2 : along a course leading to <They made efforts toward peace.>
3 : in regard to <I like his attitude toward life.>
4 : so as to face <Their backs were toward me.>
5 : 2near <I awoke toward morning.>
6 : as part of the payment for <She put money toward a new car.>
Variants of toward
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up toward? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).