Little Ice Age
noun
: an episode of glacial expansion whose maximum extension occurred in the 17th and 18th centuries
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web
The Greenland Ice Sheet readvanced during Viking occupation of the eastern settlement and peaked in the Little Ice Age.
—
Katie Hunt, CNN, 18 Apr. 2023
Volcanic eruptions during the High Medieval Period are thought to have triggered an era of global cooling called the Little Ice Age, which lasted from 1350 to 1850.
—Carolyn Hagler, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Apr. 2023
The collective effect of the medieval eruptions on Earth’s climate may have led to the Little Ice Age, notes UNIGE.
—Melissa Breyer, Treehugger, 7 Apr. 2023
By 1750, the peak of the Little Ice Age, Glacier Bay was entirely filled with ice.
—Lesley Evans Ogden, Discover Magazine, 7 Apr. 2023
In fact, there has been speculation that major volcanic eruptions during the High Medieval period may have contributed to the onset of the Little Ice Age (circa 1300-1850).
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 5 Apr. 2023
The Little Ice Age has been variously linked to volcanic eruptions and solar activity—natural fluctuations unrelated to global warming today.
—Robert Kunzig, National Geographic, 13 Oct. 2020
Europe, with a population already under stress from war, famine, roaming bands of brigands, deforestation, and the beginning of the Little Ice Age, was devastated.
—Kevin Baker, Harper's Magazine, 23 June 2020
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Katie Hunt, CNN, 18 Apr. 2023
Volcanic eruptions during the High Medieval Period are thought to have triggered an era of global cooling called the Little Ice Age, which lasted from 1350 to 1850.
—Carolyn Hagler, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Apr. 2023
The collective effect of the medieval eruptions on Earth’s climate may have led to the Little Ice Age, notes UNIGE.
—Melissa Breyer, Treehugger, 7 Apr. 2023
By 1750, the peak of the Little Ice Age, Glacier Bay was entirely filled with ice.
—Lesley Evans Ogden, Discover Magazine, 7 Apr. 2023
In fact, there has been speculation that major volcanic eruptions during the High Medieval period may have contributed to the onset of the Little Ice Age (circa 1300-1850).
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 5 Apr. 2023
The Little Ice Age has been variously linked to volcanic eruptions and solar activity—natural fluctuations unrelated to global warming today.
—Robert Kunzig, National Geographic, 13 Oct. 2020
Europe, with a population already under stress from war, famine, roaming bands of brigands, deforestation, and the beginning of the Little Ice Age, was devastated.
—Kevin Baker, Harper's Magazine, 23 June 2020
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'Little Ice Age.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1939, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near Little Ice Age
Cite this Entry
“Little Ice Age.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Little%20Ice%20Age. Accessed 7 Jun. 2023.
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