'forward-pointing' is a compound of 'forward' + present participle 'pointing'. 'forward' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'forweard', where 'for-' meant 'before, in front of' and 'weard' meant 'turned toward'. 'point' originates from Old French 'point', from Latin 'punctum' meaning 'a pricking, point'.

'forward' changed from Old English 'forweard' and Middle English 'forward' to modern English 'forward'; 'point' developed from Latin 'punctum' to Old French 'point' and Middle English 'poynt', eventually becoming the modern English 'point'. The compound form 'forward-pointing' is a straightforward modern English combination of these elements.

Initially, the components meant 'toward the front' (forward) and 'a sharp tip or indication' (point). Over time, combined as 'forward-pointing' it evolved into the descriptive sense 'having a direction toward the front' used for objects and indicators.