arctic

1 of 2

adjective

arc·​tic ˈärk-tik  ˈär-tik 

1

often Arctic : of, relating to, or suitable for use at the North Pole or the region near it

arctic waters

arctic animals

arctic clothing

2

a

: bitter cold : frigid

arctic air

b

: cold in temper or mood

an arctic smile

arctically

ˈärk-ti-k(ə-)lē, 

ˈär-ti- 

adverb

arctic

2 of 2

noun

arc·​tic ˈär-tik  ˈärk-tik 

: a rubber overshoe reaching to the ankle or above

Synonyms of arctic

Adjective

• icy
• freezing
• frigid
• cold
• chilly
• chill
• cool
• polar

Examples of arctic in a Sentence

Adjective

The group is involved in Arctic exploration.

the arctic air of deep winter

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The aching cold of that sub-arctic river was taking the horse’s strength. — Dolores Brown, Outdoor Life, 17 June 2026

The air was freezing, and the town was bathed in the crisp Arctic light of a late-winter sun. — Ben Taub, New Yorker, 15 June 2026

Noun

Those Eskimo dogs from the Canadian arctic are the best damn bear dogs in the world. — Jim Rearden, Outdoor Life, 5 Nov. 2025

This riven Martian arctic was a mystery to scientists for over forty years. — Joseph Calamia, Discover Magazine, 19 Nov. 2019

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English artik, from Latin arcticus, from Greek arktikos, from arktos bear, Ursa Major, north; akin to Latin ursus bear, Sanskrit ṛkṣa

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1540, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1868, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing arctic

• arctic char
• arctic circle
• arctic fox
• arctic hare
• arctic tern

Rhymes for arctic

• antarctic
• holarctic
• subarctic
• palaearctic
• palearctic
• subantarctic

Kids Definition

arctic

1 of 2 adjective

arc·​tic ˈärk-tik  ˈärt-ik 

1

often capitalized : of, relating to, or suitable for use at the north pole or the region around it

arctic waters

arctic animals

arctic clothing

2

: very cold : frigid

arctic

2 of 2 noun

arc·​tic ˈärt-ik  ˈärk-tik 

: a rubber overshoe : galosh

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English artik "arctic," derived from Greek arktikos "arctic," from Arktos "the Bear," name of the most easily recognizable constellation near the north pole of the sky