Arctic Circle

noun

variants or less commonly arctic circle

: the parallel of latitude that is approximately 66½ degrees north of the equator and that circumscribes the northern frigid zone

Examples of Arctic Circle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But the offense going Arctic Circle levels of cold is the most shocking issue. — Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 27 May 2026

The four sailors were part of Sir John Franklin’s 1845 expedition to find the Northwest Passage, a sea route north of the Canadian mainland and Arctic Circle that connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans via the Arctic Ocean. — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 12 May 2026

The deployment of the Gonzalez will help protect US and Ally operations in the North Atlantic and Arctic Circle, while also protecting sea lanes from potential submarine activities. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 22 Mar. 2026

Arctic Circle This year, the sun also reaches its solar maximum in an 11-year cycle, resulting in more auroras. — Megan Eaves, Outside, 16 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1587, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for Arctic Circle

• encircle
• tubercle
• cercle
• preopercle
• semicircle

Kids Definition

arctic circle

noun

often capitalized A&C

: the parallel of latitude that is approximately 66½ degrees north of the equator