Tailward

Tailward is an adverb describing movement or direction towards the tail of something, often an animal, aircraft, or similar elongated object. It signifies a backward or rearward progression along the longitudinal axis. The term can be used literally to depict physical motion or figuratively to describe retreat or a position behind the forefront. It emphasizes the opposite of headward or forward. The context clarifies the object's 'tail' – for example, an airplane's tail or a dragon's tail. Understanding tailward requires recognizing the referenced point of origin or the designated point of reference.

Tailward meaning with examples

• The injured dog dragged itself tailward, seeking a safe place to rest away from the commotion in the park.
• As the airplane taxied, the ground crew signaled the pilot to move tailward to align with the gate for passengers to disembark.
• During the battle, the retreating army began to slowly move tailward in a strategic formation, hoping to regroup.
• The children, captivated, watched the kite swoop and dip, sometimes appearing to move tailward on the wind’s whim.
• Observing the rocket launch, the trajectory initially angled tailward, generating significant thrust to achieve lift-off.