antarctic

adjective

ant·​arc·​tic (ˌ)ant-ˈärk-tik  -ˈär-tik 

variants often Antarctic

: of or relating to the South Pole or to the region near it

Examples of antarctic in a Sentence

The group is involved in Antarctic exploration.

Recent Examples on the Web

The journey to this remote location was fraught with difficulties, from navigating treacherous ocean currents to adapting to the unpredictable weather patterns typical of the sub-Antarctic. —Photovogue, Vogue, 22 Apr. 2026

Emperor penguins and Antarctic fur seals have been classified as endangered due to significant population declines, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). —Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2026

Emperor penguins and the Antarctic fur seal were moved to the endangered species list by the international organization that tracks extinction risk to plants and animals globally. —Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2026

Climate change is pushing two iconic Antarctic species toward the brink of extinction — the emperor penguin and the Antarctic fur seal, a new assessment finds. —Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 9 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English antartik, from Latin antarcticus, from Greek antarktikos, from anti- + arktikos arctic

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing antarctic

• antarctic circle

Rhymes for antarctic

• holarctic
• subarctic
• arctic
• palaearctic
• palearctic
• subantarctic

Kids Definition

antarctic

adjective

ant·​arc·​tic (ˈ)ant-ˈärk-tik  -ˈärt-ik 

often capitalized

: of or relating to the South Pole or to the region near it