Pronunciation: [lˈandwəd] (IPA) 
The word "landward" is spelled with six letters and pronounced /ˈlændwərd/. The "land" portion of the word refers to the ground or soil, while the "-ward" suffix indicates direction, in this case meaning towards the land. This word is commonly used in nautical and coastal contexts, often referring to ships approaching land. The pronunciation of the "w" is silent, so the emphasis is placed on the "land" portion of the word.
Landward is an adverbial and adjectival term that pertains to the direction or location towards land, specifically in relation to bodies of water or coastlines. As an adverb, landward refers to movement, orientation, or position in the direction of land, away from the water or coastline. For instance, a ship could be said to be moving landward when it is traveling towards the shore or inland from a body of water.
Landward can also be used as an adjective to describe something that is situated towards or facing the land. For example, a landward breeze refers to a wind blowing from the sea towards the land. Similarly, a landward view would describe a perspective or sight that looks towards the land from a coastal or water-based location.
This term is often used in geographical or navigational contexts, such as when describing the movement of ships, the formation of coastal features, or the analysis of shorelines. It is particularly helpful when providing directional information, emphasizing the relation between the land and water, or discussing the influence of the land on maritime activities. Overall, landward serves as a useful linguistic tool for describing and understanding spatial relationships between land and water.
Towards the land or country.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "landward" is derived from the combination of two separate words: "land" and "ward".
"Land" comes from the Old English word "lond" which means "earth, ground, or country". It can be traced back further to the Proto-Germanic word "landą". The origin of "land" can be linked to the Proto-Indo-European root "*lendh-", meaning "land, heath".
"Ward" is derived from Middle English and Old English, originating from the Proto-Germanic word "*wardoz", which means "ward, guard, or watcher".
The two parts combined, "land" and "ward", have formed "landward", which refers to the direction towards land, specifically in relation to a coastal area or an inland boundary.
