arctic circle

noun

often capitalized A&C
: the parallel of latitude that is approximately 66¹/₂ degrees north of the equator and that circumscribes the northern frigid zone

Examples of arctic circle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The Finnish drama, which follows two strangers on a long train ride up past the arctic circle, also won the international film critics’ Fipresci award for best film. Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Feb. 2022 Up in the arctic circle, future-forward Norwegian firm Snøhetta is designing the world's first energy-positive hotel. Jenny Southan, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Aug. 2019 As such, evergreen forests grow not only up through Europe, but all the way up to the arctic circle. Matt Simon, WIRED, 29 May 2018 Built when the trans-Alaska oil pipeline was laid, the highway stretches through forested hills, traverses the Yukon River, and enters the arctic circle before ending at the Arctic Ocean. Sunset, 22 Jan. 2018 Located at the confluence of the Yukon and Klondike Rivers, only 165 miles south of the arctic circle, Dawson was founded after news of gold along the Yukon River brought prospectors pouring into town, the population swelling to 30,000. J.r. Jones, Chicago Reader, 27 Sep. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'arctic circle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1587, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of arctic circle was circa 1587

Dictionary Entries Near arctic circle

Cite this Entry

“Arctic circle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arctic%20circle. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

arctic circle

noun
often capitalized A&C
: the parallel of latitude that is approximately 66½ degrees north of the equator
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