North Star

American  

noun

Astronomy.

1. Polaris.

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North Star British  

noun

1. another name for Polaris

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North Star Scientific  

1. See Polaris

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North Star Cultural  

1. 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.

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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

"These changes reflect our decision to focus on more deliberate commercialization plans with safety as our North star," a statement said.

From BBC • Dec. 14, 2023

I mean, I think for us the thing that was cool with "Hair Love" is that we always had this North star.

From Salon • Sep. 30, 2023

Butler said he "loves" Groce and also endorsed Duke assistant Chris Collins, a former Glenbrook North star and son of Doug Collins, as an ideal candidate because of his strong connection to the Chicago area.

From Chicago Tribune • Mar. 28, 2012

They point almost directly toward the Pole star, or North star, the correct name of which is Polaris.

From Earth and Sky Every Child Should Know Easy studies of the earth and the stars for any time and place by Rogers, Julia Ellen

Of course, the Pointers go around the North star once in twenty-four hours, so that makes a kind of clock.

From The Boy Scouts of the Geological Survey by Shaler, Robert