Arctic
Americanadjective
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Sometimes arctic of, relating to, or located at or near the North Pole.
the Arctic region.
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Sometimes arctic coming from the North Pole or the Arctic region.
an Arctic wind.
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Often arctic suitable for use in the Arctic.
Arctic boots.
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Usually arctic characteristic of the extremely cold, snowy, windy weather north of the Arctic Circle; frigid; bleak.
an arctic winter.
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arctic, extremely cold in manner, atmosphere, etc..
a look of arctic disdain.
noun
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the Arctic, the region lying north of the Arctic Circle or of the northernmost limit of tree growth; the polar area north of the timberline.
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arctics, warm, waterproof overshoes.
adjective
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of or relating to the Arctic
arctic temperatures
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informal cold; freezing
the weather at Christmas was arctic
noun
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a high waterproof overshoe with buckles
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(modifier) designed or suitable for conditions of extreme cold
arctic clothing
noun
adjective
Discover More
The weather of the Arctic is characterized by long, cold winters and short, cool summers.
The Arctic has been the object of much exploration by air, land, and sea. The shortest distance by plane between continents in the Northern Hemisphere is often over the Arctic.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of Arctic
First recorded in 1350–1400; from Latin arcticus, from Greek arktikós “northern,” literally, “of the Bear,” equivalent to árkt(os), “bear” ( see Ursa Major) + -ikos -ic; replacing Middle English artik, from Middle French artique, from Latin
Explanation
If the weatherman warns of arctic conditions, get out your thermal underwear, hats, and gloves. It's going to be cold. The word arctic describes frigid and inhospitable weather. The word arctic refers to the Arctic Circle — the North Pole and the land that surrounds it — which is the northernmost major circle of latitude on the Earth. When you think of the word arctic, imagine the weather at the North Pole, cold and windy, suitable only for hearty animals and mythical toy-making elves. Bundle up for the arctic blast heading down from Canada towards the U.S.!
Vocabulary lists containing arctic
Wintry Words
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Blizzard! Words to Learn on a Snow Day
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Chill Out! Synonyms for "Cold"
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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.
At a defense conference in Ottawa, Carney said Saab’s GlobalEye aircraft would help detect and deter threats across the Arctic.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026
Opie became captivated by the Arctic light during her first trip to the region more than a decade ago, and she long hoped to photograph Norway’s famous “Blue Mountains.”
From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2026
Asked by the BBC if Mr Trump still wanted the Arctic territory to become part of the United States, he replied: "You'll have to talk to the president yourself."
From BBC • May 20, 2026
The US special envoy to Greenland, the Arctic island coveted by President Donald Trump, told AFP on Wednesday that Washington needs to rebuild its presence in the Danish autonomous territory.
From Barron's • May 20, 2026
Elisha packed the finished painting among the few personal items he was bringing to the Arctic.
From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.