# Polaris

/poʊˈɫɛɹəs/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

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

## Definition

the brightest star in the northern sky that stays in the same place while others move. People use it to find which way is north when they travel at night.

For teachers: the brightest star in the constellation Ursa Minor, located very close to the celestial north pole. Often used as a navigational reference point because its position remains nearly fixed in the sky.

## Examples

- Sailors used Polaris to guide their ships at night.
- Because Polaris is aligned with the Earth's axis, it appears stationary while the other stars rotate around it.
- In celestial navigation, the altitude of Polaris above the horizon provides a reliable estimate of the observer's latitude in the Northern Hemisphere.

## Usage notes

- When referring to the star, it is treated as a proper noun and is almost always capitalised.

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