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
Synonyms
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
Keisha Rowe, The Courier-Journal, 16 Jan. 2024
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
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
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Adjective
Weather: An arctic cold front continues to impact the Louisville Metro with bitterly cold temperatures and subzero wind chills.
—Keisha Rowe, The Courier-Journal, 16 Jan. 2024
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
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
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Cite this Entry
“Arctic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arctic. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
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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
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