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

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

“As we integrate our businesses, our North Star remains driving consistent, durable growth underpinned by an unrelenting focus on our clients.”

From Barron's • Feb. 18, 2026

He said his goal is to “stay true to Caltech’s North Star of fundamental research and exploration integrated deeply with education.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 6, 2026

The company is working on a US$130 million project to increase output at its North Star steel plant in Ohio by 10% by fiscal 2028.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 5, 2026

On that point he was fixed and unwavering as the North Star itself.

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood