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

In a spiraling feedback, warmer water melts sea ice, allowing more sunlight into the ocean, warming it faster; 2025 had the lowest winter peak of Arctic sea ice on record and the third-lowest minimum extent of Antarctic ice. —Michael Wysession, The Conversation, 5 Mar. 2026

However, Antarctic glaciation was driven by multiple forces, Forte explained, including falling carbon dioxide levels, shifting ocean circulation patterns, and tectonic changes. —Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 25 Feb. 2026

In late 2022, the virus decimated southern elephant seal populations in South America and several sub-Antarctic Islands. —Susanne Rust follow, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026

Finding one at depth in Antarctic water that hovers just above freezing puts this discovery in rare company. —Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 19 Feb. 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