arctic

1 of 2

adjective

1
often capitalized : 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- How to pronounce arctic (audio)
adverb

arctic

2 of 2

noun

: a rubber overshoe reaching to the ankle or above

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
Alongside a dash of arctic blue or deep coral shadow just above the lash line, feathery falsies were applied to the outer corners of the eyes, creating a mystical effect at Ganni. Ranyechi Udemezue, Vogue, 3 Oct. 2024 Instead, some 416,000 years ago, the arctic island emerged from its perpetual winter, exhibiting a milder arctic ecosystem long enough to sustain plants, small trees, flowers, and insects. Carly Miller, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024
Noun
The Willow project — ConocoPhillips’s controversial drilling plan in the Alaskan arctic — got the green light. Brady Dennis, Washington Post, 23 July 2024 This riven Martian arctic was a mystery to scientists for over forty years. Joseph Calamia, Discover Magazine, 19 Nov. 2019 See all Example Sentences for arctic 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'arctic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of arctic was circa 1540

Dictionary Entries Near arctic

Cite this Entry

“Arctic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arctic. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

arctic

1 of 2 adjective
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
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on arctic

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