# Fairbanks

/ˈfɛɹbəŋks/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

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

## Definition

a city in the central part of Alaska. It is famous for being very cold and a great place to see the Northern Lights.

For teachers: The second-largest city in Alaska, situated in the Tanana Valley. It serves as a major transportation and service hub for the state's interior and is notable for its subarctic climate.

## Examples

- Fairbanks is one of the coldest cities in the United States.
- Many tourists travel to Fairbanks in the winter specifically to view the aurora borealis away from coastal clouds.
- Established during the gold rush era, Fairbanks remains a critical logistical center for the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and various scientific research initiatives conducted by the local university.

## Usage notes

- As a proper noun, it is almost always used without an article.

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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.