subarctic

adjective

sub·​arc·​tic ˌsəb-ˈärk-tik 

-ˈär-tik

: of, relating to, characteristic of, or being regions immediately outside of the arctic circle or regions similar to these in climate or conditions of life

subarctic noun

Examples of subarctic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Gathered below are some of Morin’s photos of the people, animals, and landscapes of the Earth’s arctic and subarctic regions. —Alan Taylor, The Atlantic, 22 Apr. 2025

This year, Volvo engineers have been forced to postpone their annual testing or rely on subarctic cold boxes to replicate the region's harsh conditions. —Morgan Korn, ABC News, 2 Mar. 2025

Research into Arctic and subarctic populations has revealed fascinating biological adaptations to extreme cold. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025

Arctic and subarctic regions are warming at roughly twice the global average, and as snow and ice melt earlier and vegetation grows, more heat is absorbed by the ground, accelerating thawing. —Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for subarctic

• antarctic
• holarctic
• arctic
• palaearctic
• palearctic
• subantarctic

Kids Definition

subarctic

adjective

sub·​arc·​tic ˌsəb-ˈärk-tik 

ˈsəb-ˈärt-ik

: of, relating to, or being regions immediately outside of the arctic circle or regions similar to these in climate or conditions of life

subarctic waters

subarctic plants