Southern Ocean

American  

[suhth-ern oh-shuhn] / ˈsʌð ərn ˈoʊ ʃən /

noun

1. the waters surrounding Antarctica, comprising the southernmost waters of the World Ocean, with its deepest section in the South Sandwich Trench. 8,478,800 square miles (21,960,000 square kilometers).

---

Southern Ocean British  

noun

1. another name for the Antarctic Ocean

---

Etymology

Origin of Southern Ocean

First recorded in 1660–70, referring to any southern sea; current sense dates from 1700–10

Example Sentences

The octopus appears to be the runt of the Megaleledonidae family, whose members are normally much larger and live in the Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica.

From Barron's • May 25, 2026

Researchers said the work also leant further credence to a theory about humpback whale patterns known as the "Southern Ocean Exchange".

From Barron's • May 20, 2026

The findings also support what researchers call the "Southern Ocean Exchange" hypothesis.

From Science Daily • May 20, 2026

In effect, researchers say the Southern Ocean may be "sweating" more as the climate warms.

From Science Daily • May 14, 2026

The cold air masses created by this icecap clash with the warm winds from the ocean to churn up a storm belt that surrounds the continent, making the Southern Ocean the most treacherous sea anywhere.

From "Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World" by Jennifer Armstrong