Atlantic

American  

[at-lan-tik] / ætˈlæn tɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to the Atlantic Ocean.

2. of, relating to, or situated on the eastern seaboard of the United States.

   the Atlantic states.

3. of or relating to the countries bordering the Atlantic Ocean, especially those of North America and Europe.

4. of or relating to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization or its members.

   the Atlantic Alliance.

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noun

1. the Atlantic, Atlantic Ocean.

2. Railroads. a steam locomotive having a four-wheeled front truck, four driving wheels, and a two-wheeled rear truck.

Atlantic British  

/ ətˈlæntɪk /

noun

1. short for Atlantic Ocean

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adjective

1. of or relating to or bordering the Atlantic Ocean

2. of or relating to Atlas or the Atlas Mountains

Other Word Forms

• sub-Atlantic adjective

Etymology

Origin of Atlantic

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin Atlanticum (mare), “the Atlantic (ocean),” neuter of Atlanticus, from Greek Atlantikós “of (Mount) Atlas,” equivalent to Atlant- (stem of Átlās ) + -ikos adjective suffix; see Atlas ( def. 1 ), -ic

Example Sentences

Some species, such as Atlantic bluefin tuna, can temporarily cope by diving deeper or increasing heat loss, but even these adaptations may not be enough if surface waters keep warming.

From Science Daily • Apr. 18, 2026

The Atlantic reported that a “Modern Love” column had been flagged as more than 60 percent A.I.-generated.

From Slate • Apr. 17, 2026

He vowed to harness Scotland's "incredible renewable potential" to lower energy bills, as well as restoring Scotland's ancient Atlantic rainforest.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

At the urging of an Atlantic Canada colleague in the Liberal ranks, d’Entremont said he agreed to meet with Carney in November.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

The Atlantic Ocean was different from the Pacific—no pretty cliffs or rugged coast, just white sand rolling into green waves that glowed in the sun.

From "Caterpillar Summer" by Gillian McDunn