astern

adverb or adjective

1
: behind a ship
2
: at or toward the stern of a ship
3
: with the stern in advance : backward

Word History

First Known Use

1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of astern was in 1570

Dictionary Entries Near astern

Cite this Entry

“Astern.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/astern. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

astern

adverb
1
: in, at, or toward the stern
2
: in a reverse direction : backward
full speed astern

More from Merriam-Webster on astern

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