forwarding: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to formal, with strong technical usage in logistics, computing, and business.
Quick answer
What does “forwarding” mean?
The action or process of sending something (a letter, package, email, information) onwards to a further destination or recipient.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The action or process of sending something (a letter, package, email, information) onwards to a further destination or recipient.
The process of directing or progressing something (like a plan, request, or document) to the next stage; also, in computing and telecommunications, the transmission of data packets or signals.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: 'forwarding' is standard in both; 'forwards' vs. 'forward' as an adverb does not affect the -ing form. In postal contexts, 'redirection' (UK) vs. 'mail forwarding' (US) are more common terms for the service.
Connotations
In UK business, 'forwarding' is strongly associated with 'freight forwarding' (logistics). In US, 'call forwarding' is a more everyday telecom term.
Frequency
Comparatively equal frequency, with domain-specific peaks (logistics in UK, telecoms in US).
Grammar
How to Use “forwarding” in a Sentence
forwarding of [NP] (the forwarding of the parcel)forwarding [NP] [PP] (forwarding the letter to the new address)forwarding [NP] [AdvP] (forwarding the request onwards)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “forwarding” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Could you forward the invoice to accounts, please?
- The system automatically forwards any emails from that domain.
American English
- Please forward my mail to my new address in Chicago.
- The router forwards data packets to the correct device.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable for 'forwarding' as an adverb form. The base 'forward' or 'forwards' is used.
American English
- Not applicable for 'forwarding' as an adverb form. The base 'forward' is used.
adjective
British English
- We need a forwarding address for the tenant. (as part of compound noun)
- The forwarding agent quoted a price for the shipment.
American English
- She provided a forwarding address to the post office.
- Our forwarding service is handled by a third-party company.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The logistics department handles all freight forwarding to our international partners.
Academic
The study examined the efficiency of packet forwarding algorithms in peer-to-peer networks.
Everyday
I set up mail forwarding with the post office before I moved house.
Technical
SSH agent forwarding allows you to use your local SSH keys on a remote server.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “forwarding”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “forwarding”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “forwarding”
- Using 'forwarding' to mean 'promoting' (e.g., *'forwarding his career') – incorrect; use 'furthering' or 'advancing.'
- Misspelling as 'fowarding.'
- Using as a countable noun incorrectly (e.g., *'I made three forwardings' – prefer 'instances of forwarding').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily a deverbal noun (the action of forwarding). It can also function as a present participle/adjective (e.g., 'forwarding address').
'Sending' implies initiating dispatch from origin to destination. 'Forwarding' implies receiving something and then sending it onwards to a further destination; it is a secondary sending action.
Yes, especially concerning mail, emails, or messages (e.g., 'I did a quick forwarding of your message to the group').
The concept is identical, though the specific postal service terminology may differ (Royal Mail 'redirection' vs. USPS 'mail forwarding service').
The action or process of sending something (a letter, package, email, information) onwards to a further destination or recipient.
Forwarding is usually neutral to formal, with strong technical usage in logistics, computing, and business. in register.
Forwarding: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfɔːwədɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfɔːrwərdɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “none specific to 'forwarding' as a noun”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
FORWARD-ING: Imagine a postal worker with a big arrow (→) on their hat, putting letters into a box labelled 'ONWARD.' Forward + ing = the action of sending onward.
Conceptual Metaphor
MOVEMENT ALONG A PATH (The document is on a journey, and forwarding is the act of moving it to the next leg.)
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'forwarding' LEAST likely to be used?