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

Tech, however, is the market’s North Star and even war with Iran isn’t about to change that.

From Barron's • May 5, 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

BlueScope is prioritizing the expansion of the North Star mill, where it recently achieved a new daily production record.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 16, 2026

“What is happening in the Twin Cities and the Great North Star State is heartbreaking to witness,” Towns wrote.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 26, 2026

It was August twenty-fourth, the day the North Star reached Barrow.

From "Julie of the Wolves" by Jean Craighead George