circumpolar

adjective

cir·​cum·​po·​lar ˌsər-kəm-ˈpō-lər How to pronounce circumpolar (audio)
1
: continually visible above the horizon
a circumpolar star
2
: surrounding or found in the vicinity of a terrestrial pole
a circumpolar current
circumpolar species

Examples of circumpolar in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There are no circumpolar stars at the equator. — Vahe Peroomian, The Conversation, 5 Mar. 2026 These Polaris huggers are better known as circumpolar stars. — Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 19 Apr. 2026 However, Draco is in the northern sky, which is circumpolar — visible all night. — Jamie Carter, Forbes, 5 Oct. 2024 Russia’s actions have caused concern across the circumpolar North, but Norway has been the most reactive. — Andreas Kuersten, Foreign Affairs, 20 Aug. 2015 See All Example Sentences for circumpolar

Word History

First Known Use

1686, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of circumpolar was in 1686

Rhymes for circumpolar

See All Rhymes for circumpolar

Browse Nearby Words

circumplanetary
circumpolar
circumposition
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Circumpolar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/circumpolar. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

circumpolar

adjective
cir·​cum·​po·​lar ˌsər-kəm-ˈpō-lər How to pronounce circumpolar (audio)
1
: continually visible above the horizon
a circumpolar star
2
: surrounding or found near a pole of the earth
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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