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

Maps like these are key to understanding the movement of the ice above across the continent, which ultimately allows researchers to predict how Antarctic ice might contribute to global sea-level rise. —Stefanie Waldek, Space.com, 15 Jan. 2026

Blue and white linear patterns visible on A23a are likely related to striations, which are ridges that were scoured hundreds of years ago when the iceberg was part of the Antarctic bedrock, NASA said. —Stephen Smith, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026

The blue and white striped patterns are likely due to striations that were put into the ice hundreds of years ago, when the ice was dragged across Antarctic bedrock. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 8 Jan. 2026

Ross seals, the smallest and rarest members of the Antarctic true seal family, are incredibly elusive. —Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 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