# arctic

/ˈɑɹktɪk/ (US) · /ˈɑːktɪk/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. relating to the North Pole

adjective · CEFR B1

relating to the region around the North Pole.

For teachers: pertaining to the northern polar region of the planet, typically defined by the area north of the Arctic Circle.

- Scientists are studying how the arctic ice is melting due to climate change.
- The expedition aimed to document the unique biodiversity of arctic ecosystems before seasonal shifts altered the landscape permanently.

Usage: Often capitalized when referring to the specific geographic region.

### 2. extremely cold

adjective · CEFR B2

extremely cold, like the weather at the North Pole.

For teachers: characterised by extreme cold, snow, or other properties associated with a polar winter.

- We had to stay indoors because of the arctic winds outside.
- An arctic blast swept across the plains, plunging temperatures well below freezing within a matter of hours.

Teaching tip: This sense is often used for emphasis in news reports about winter weather.

### 3. the northern polar region

noun · CEFR B1

the area around the North Pole, including the ocean and nearby land.

For teachers: the region surrounding the North Pole, consisting of the Arctic Ocean and parts of Alaska, Canada, Russia, and Greenland.

- The Arctic is home to polar bears and many species of seals.
- Geopolitical interest in the Arctic has increased as receding ice opens new potential shipping routes through the Northwest Passage.

Usage: Always used with 'the' and capitalized in this sense.

### 4. waterproof boot

noun · CEFR C2 · American English · Archaic

a type of warm, waterproof boot worn over regular shoes.

For teachers: a warm, waterproof overshoe designed for use in snowy or icy conditions.

- He pulled on his arctics before heading out into the deep snow.
- The old farmer still wore his heavy rubber arctics to keep his feet dry during the spring thaw.

Usage: Usually used in the plural form.

Teaching tip: This term is rarely heard today; modern speakers usually say 'snow boots' or 'overshoes'.

## Examples

- Polar bears live in the Arctic.
- Scientists travel to the Arctic every summer to study how the melting ice affects global sea levels.
- The geopolitical importance of the Arctic has increased significantly as receding ice opens new maritime trade routes and provides access to previously unreachable 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.