Polaris

noun

Po·​lar·​is pə-ˈler-əs How to pronounce Polaris (audio)
-ˈlär-, 
-ˈla-rəs How to pronounce Polaris (audio)
: north star

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from polaris polar

First Known Use

1844, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Polaris was in 1844

Rhymes for Polaris

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Browse Nearby Words

polarimetry
Polaris
polariscope
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Cite this Entry

“Polaris.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Polaris. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on Polaris

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Polaris

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