# Alaska

/əˈɫæskə/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/alaska
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. U.S. state

noun · CEFR A2

the largest state in the USA, located in the far northwest of North America.

For teachers: the 49th state of the United States, located in the extreme northwest of North America and separated from the contiguous U.S. by Canada.

- Many people visit Alaska in the summer to see the beautiful glaciers and bears.
- Alaska was purchased from Russia in 1867 and eventually became the largest state in the Union, renowned for its vast wilderness and natural resources.

### 2. dessert

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal

a short name for 'baked Alaska', a dessert made of cake and ice cream covered in toasted egg whites.

For teachers: an elliptical form of 'baked Alaska', referring to a dessert consisting of ice cream and cake topped with browned meringue.

- For the final course of the dinner party, he served a spectacular Alaska.
- The pastry chef demonstrated how to torch the meringue on the Alaska without melting the ice cream hidden inside.

Usage: Usually appears as part of the full phrase 'baked Alaska' rather than standing alone.

## Examples

- Many people travel to Alaska to see the northern lights.
- During our cruise to Alaska, we saw massive glaciers and several humpback whales.
- The purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867 was initially mocked as a waste of money, though the territory later proved invaluable for its vast natural resources.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.