ice floe

noun

: a usually large flat free mass of floating sea ice

Examples of ice floe in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As rising global temperatures threaten the polar ice floes, loud and previously-unknown sounds from the breakdown of ice are becoming more frequent, impacting polar ecosystems. Andrew Coletti, Popular Science, 26 Mar. 2026 Viking’s expedition team tracks live satellite footage of active ice floes, where polar bears typically hunt for seals. Jillian Dara, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Jan. 2026 The retreating ice floes may also yield new opportunities to exploit its vast mineral reserves, a subject that has proven to be at the forefront of Trump’s mind in negotiations over Ukraine and Venezuela. Alexander Smith, NBC news, 10 Jan. 2026 The exhibition features his maps and sullied backpack, toothbrush, bar of soap, and survival goods, along with photos of him sleeping on park benches, crouching on the banks of the Hudson in front of ice floes, and haunting the city. Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 7 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ice floe

Word History

First Known Use

1819, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ice floe was in 1819

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ice floe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ice%20floe. Accessed 30 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

ice floe

noun
: a flat free mass of floating sea ice
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