north pole

noun

1
a
often capitalized N&P : the northernmost point of the earth
broadly : the corresponding point of a celestial body (such as a planet)
b
: the zenith of the heavens as viewed from the north terrestrial pole
2
of a magnet : the pole that points toward the north when the magnet is freely suspended

Examples of north pole in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web These breathtaking plunges send the spacecraft swooping over higher latitudes near Jupiter’s north pole, revealing sights unseen from Earth. Phil Plait, Scientific American, 29 Dec. 2023 This false-color image gives an up-close view of the massive hurricane that sits at Saturn's north pole. Discover Magazine, 14 Sep. 2017 Spirituality and Renewal There are many different Indigenous groups living under the auroral oval, the area around Earth’s geomagnetic north pole where auroral activity is most frequently visible. Debbie Olsen, Travel + Leisure, 24 Nov. 2023 On this day 16 years ago, NASA’s Phoenix spacecraft took off for Mars’ north pole. Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2023 In 2028, when the northern summer solstice approaches, NASA scientists predict the cap will grow even brighter, and will give the Hubble a clear view as Uranus’ north pole will be aimed directly toward Earth. Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 28 Mar. 2023 In 2017, the magnetic north pole fell within 240 miles of the geographic north pole. Jennifer Leman, Popular Mechanics, 7 Mar. 2022 Bands of ice and sand at Mars’ north pole reveal an ancient climate that swung between warm and cold. Korey Haynes, Discover Magazine, 24 May 2019 The light is believed to be the glow from a bolt of lightning near the planet's north pole. Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 20 June 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'north pole.' 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

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of north pole was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near north pole

Cite this Entry

“North pole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/north%20pole. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

north pole

noun
1
a
often cap N&P : the northernmost point of the earth : the northern end of the earth's axis
b
: the point in the sky directly overhead at the north pole
2
: the pole of a magnet that points toward the north

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