North Star

American

noun

Astronomy.

Polaris.

North Star British

noun

another name for Polaris

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

North Star Scientific

See Polaris

North Star Cultural

A star positioned along the line in space that includes the axis (see also axis) of rotation of the Earth. For this reason, the star does not appear to move in the sky, but remains fixed above the North Pole.

Discover More

Locating the North Star is useful in navigation.

Etymology

Origin of North Star

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

White’s vision intended for his music to reach a universal audience, evolve consciousness and change the world, using positivity as his North Star.

From Salon • Jun. 7, 2026

Personhood has become the movement’s new North Star.

From Slate • Jun. 2, 2026

Her co-star Ayoade Bamgboye says making sketches feel distinctly British has been her "North Star from the very beginning" - and it feels like "there's always someone to catch you" on the team.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

“As we integrate our businesses, our North Star remains driving consistent, durable growth underpinned by an unrelenting focus on our clients.”

From Barron's • Feb. 18, 2026

Just a reminder: If you keep the North Star in view, and the wind at your back, you’ll have no problem at all navigating wherever you please.

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023