Pronunciation: [kˈə͡ʊstwəd] (IPA) 
Coastward is an adverb that means towards the coast. Phonetically, this word is spelled /kəʊstwərd/ where the first syllable /kəʊst/ rhymes with "most" and the second syllable /wərd/ rhymes with "heard". The silent "a" in the spelling of coastward creates a smoother transition between the "t" and "w" sounds. This word is commonly used in maritime language and can be found in travel guides and sailing instructions.
Coastward is an adverb used to describe movement or direction towards the coast or in the direction of a coastline. It indicates the act of moving or facing in the direction of the coast or moving towards a coastal area or region.
When used to describe movement, coastward is often used to signify a journey or travel towards the coast. For example, "The family packed their belongings and set off coastward for their summer beach vacation." In this context, it implies that the family was moving in the direction of the coastline, possibly towards a specific beach destination.
Coastward may also be used to describe a location or position that faces or lies in the direction of the coast. For instance, "Their house is situated coastward, offering breathtaking views of the ocean." Here, the word indicates that the house is positioned in a way that it faces or looks towards the coast, allowing for splendid vistas of the sea.
In summary, coastward denotes movement, direction, or position towards the coast or a coastline. It is a word that recognizes the movement of someone or something towards the seaside, the orientation of a place facing the coast, or the direction of a journey that leads to a coastal area.
The word coastward has a straightforward etymology. It is derived from the combination of two words: coast and ward.
Coast originated from the Old French word coste which meant side or flank. This word later evolved into coast in Middle English, referring specifically to the side of the land adjacent to the sea.
Ward comes from the Old English word weard, meaning direction or location. It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word warda.
When these two words are combined, coastward is formed. It is an adverb that means in the direction of the coast or toward the coast.
