North Star

American  

noun

Astronomy.

1. Polaris.

---

North Star British  

noun

1. another name for Polaris

---

North Star Scientific  

1. See Polaris

---

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.

---

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

“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

North Star represents nearly 4% of total annual U.S. domestic hot-rolled coil production, according to BlueScope.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 5, 2026

On the table itself, we decided on just two things: a large globe and a star chart for easy consultation with the Big Dipper and the North Star.

From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan