Landward

Landward describes a direction or movement towards the land from a body of water, or something situated on the land. It indicates a position or action that is closer to, towards, or within the terrestrial environment, as opposed to being seaward or in a marine setting. It's often used in nautical, geographical, and meteorological contexts to specify a spatial relationship relative to the coastline or a body of water. This term emphasizes the shift from an oceanic or aquatic environment to a more terrestrial or continental one.

Landward meaning with examples

• The lighthouse keeper watched the approaching storm, noting how the wind shifted landward, carrying the scent of rain and damp earth, signaling a significant weather change coming onshore.
• During the regatta, the boats tacked landward to gain a better position near the windward mark, hoping to cut the distance and win the race, they knew the currents favoured the approach.
• The experienced sailor carefully adjusted the sails to steer the ship landward, aiming to reach the harbor entrance before nightfall, knowing the journey was almost at its end.
• As the helicopter ascended, its flight path veered landward to avoid the open ocean and bring the rescue team and injured passenger back to solid ground as quickly as possible, the priority was on the return.
• The erosion of the coastal cliffs revealed ancient strata, hinting at past geological events, while the ongoing effects of rising sea levels continue to push the edge of the land landward over time, the process is consistent.