Forward means toward the front or ahead in space or time. When a teacher asks students to move forward in line, they're asking them to step closer to the front. When a basketball player dribbles forward down the court, she's moving toward the opponent's basket. When you look forward to summer vacation, you're thinking ahead to something that hasn't happened yet.

The word also describes people who are unusually bold or direct in their behavior. Someone who asks very personal questions when first meeting you might be called forward. This meaning carries a hint of criticism: the person is moving ahead socially before it's appropriate, like cutting in line in a conversation. A salesperson who immediately asks for your phone number might seem too forward.

In sports, a forward is a player who plays in an attacking position near the opponent's goal, like in soccer or hockey. These players focus on scoring rather than defending.

You can also forward an email or text message, sending it along to someone else. When you forward a funny video to your friend, you're passing it ahead to them.

The phrase from this day forward means from now on into the future, often used when someone makes an important commitment or decision.