1
a
: near, being at, or belonging to the forepart
the forward section of the main deck
b
: situated in advance
Baggage is carried in the forward cars of the train.
2
3
: notably advanced or developed : precocious
The child is very forward at walking.
4
: moving, tending, or leading toward a position in front
checked the forward movement of the dog
also
: moving toward an opponent's goal
5
6
: of, relating to, or getting ready for the future
forward buying of produce
forwardly
adverb
forwardness
noun
: to or toward what is ahead or in front
from that time forward
moved slowly forward
forwarded; forwarding; forwards
: a player who plays at the front the team's formation near the opponent's goal
a forward in hockey
Examples of forward in a Sentence
Adjective
the forward deck of a boat
the forward movement of history
a very forward young woman
Adverb
Her long hair fell forward as she bent to tie her shoes.
He pushed the throttle forward.
She took a small step forward.
The narrative moves backward and forward in time.
The technology has taken a big step forward.
Verb
Your letter will be forwarded to the appropriate department.
Please forward my mail to my new address.
Recent Examples on the Web
Suwanna Gauntlett, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
With strong forward guidance for FY2025, FCX offers a compelling opportunity for investors seeking exposure to copper’s rally.
—Tony Zhang, CNBC, 19 Mar. 2025
Tim Casey, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer is pressing pause on his press tour for his new book following his vote to move forward with Republican spending legislation last week.
—Meg Zukin, Los Angeles Times, 22 Mar. 2025
Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 2025
The new bill has been forwarded to a parliamentary committee for deliberation on the percentages to be contributed.
—Compiled By Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 21 Mar. 2025
Brian Evans, CNBC, 21 Mar. 2025
Five of their top-six forwards, for instance, are 24 or younger, including 20-year-old No. 1 center Adam Fantilli.
—Aaron Portzline, The Athletic, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for forward
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Adjective
With forward thinking and decisive leadership, Cambodia can secure the next 40-70 years of its energy supply while maintaining the forests and not sacrificing the environment.
—Suwanna Gauntlett, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
With strong forward guidance for FY2025, FCX offers a compelling opportunity for investors seeking exposure to copper’s rally.
—Tony Zhang, CNBC, 19 Mar. 2025
Adverb
The rest of the team are freshmen or transfers, including Wagner and reserve forward Zvonimir Ivisic, who played for Calipari at Kentucky, and Jonas Aidoo, who played three seasons at Tennessee.
—Tim Casey, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer is pressing pause on his press tour for his new book following his vote to move forward with Republican spending legislation last week.
—Meg Zukin, Los Angeles Times, 22 Mar. 2025
Verb
The company forwarded The Star’s request back to Dallas.
—Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 2025
The new bill has been forwarded to a parliamentary committee for deliberation on the percentages to be contributed.
—Compiled By Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
The stock trades at a roughly 24% discount compared to its average five-year forward enterprise-value-to-EBITDA multiple.
—Brian Evans, CNBC, 21 Mar. 2025
Five of their top-six forwards, for instance, are 24 or younger, including 20-year-old No. 1 center Adam Fantilli.
—Aaron Portzline, The Athletic, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for forward
Cite this Entry
“Forward.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forward. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
forward
1 of 4 adjective
for·ward
ˈfȯr-wərd 
1
: near, being at, or belonging to the front part
2
: lacking proper modesty or reserve
3
: moving, tending, or leading to a position in front
forwardly
adverb
forwardness
noun
forward
2 of 4 adverb
: to or toward what is in front
forward
3 of 4 verb1
: to help onward
forward a friend's career
2
: to send on or forward
forward a letter
forward
4 of 4 noun
: a player who plays at the front of the team near the opponent's goal
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