IPA: /nɔrθˈwɛrd/
KK: /nɔrθˈwɛtərd/
In the direction that is between north and west.
The storm is moving in a northwestward direction, bringing heavy rain.
In the direction of the northwest; moving or located toward the northwest.
The hikers traveled northwestward to reach the mountain peak.
A direction or area that is towards the northwest.
The explorers traveled in a northwestward direction to find new lands.
Northwestward is formed from "north" (from Old English "norð", meaning the direction toward the North Pole) and "westward" (from "west" which comes from Old English "west", meaning the direction toward the setting sun, combined with the suffix "-ward" meaning in the direction of). The word describes a direction that is toward the northwest.
Think of heading 'toward the north' and 'west' — 'north' points to the North Pole, and 'westward' indicates the direction of the setting sun.