drift ice

American  

noun

1. detached floating ice in masses that drift with the wind or ocean currents, as in the polar seas.

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drift ice British  

noun

1. masses of ice floating in the open sea

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Etymology

Origin of drift ice

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

Trains and flights were also experiencing delays, while authorities reported drift ice on the Danube and the Tisza rivers, where icebreakers have been put on alert.

From Barron's • Jan. 13, 2026

They are generally slightly smaller and, unlike solely land breeding seals found in the British Isles, can give birth to young on both drift ice and on land.

From Science Daily • Mar. 27, 2024

Officials said they believe the killer whales were able to free themselves from the drift ice as gaps between them grew.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 7, 2024

A pod of around a dozen killer whales trapped by drift ice in waters off Japan's northern island appear to have successfully escaped, officials say.

From BBC • Feb. 7, 2024

Near Cape Guinington, on the coast of Labrador, a northerly gale, which brought down large quantities of drift ice, did much damage to the vessel, and she lost her rudder.

From The Sea: Its Stirring Story of Adventure, Peril, & Heroism. Volume 3 by Whymper, Frederick