Arctic Oscillation
noun
climatology
: the recurring movement of high pressure systems in the atmosphere from the middle latitudes to the polar latitudes and back
—abbreviation AO
compare north atlantic oscillation, southern oscillation
Examples of Arctic Oscillation in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The intrigue: Butler was referring to the pattern of air pressure over the Arctic and the North Atlantic, known as the Arctic Oscillation, or AO.
—
Andrew Freedman, Axios, 15 Feb. 2025
This can happen when that Arctic Oscillation — a seesawing pattern of air pressure and atmospheric circulation anomalies — dips into what scientists call its negative mode.
—Tom Yulsman, Discover Magazine, 17 Apr. 2021
This relative coolness was partially the result of a strong negative Arctic Oscillation (AO) during the first half of the month.
—Todd Nelson, Star Tribune, 13 Mar. 2021
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Andrew Freedman, Axios, 15 Feb. 2025
This can happen when that Arctic Oscillation — a seesawing pattern of air pressure and atmospheric circulation anomalies — dips into what scientists call its negative mode.
—Tom Yulsman, Discover Magazine, 17 Apr. 2021
This relative coolness was partially the result of a strong negative Arctic Oscillation (AO) during the first half of the month.
—Todd Nelson, Star Tribune, 13 Mar. 2021
Cite this Entry
“Arctic Oscillation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Arctic%20Oscillation. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share