south pole

noun

1
a
usually South Pole : the southernmost point of the earth
b
: the zenith of the heavens as viewed from the south terrestrial pole
2
of a magnet : the pole that points toward the south

Examples of south pole 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.
In August 2023, Russia's Roscosmos space agency launched the Luna 25 mission, its first in 47 years, toward the lunar south pole. — Tariq Malik, Space.com, 9 Aug. 2026 But experts also emphasize that the moon — and the lunar south pole — are large, perhaps offering enough resources for both nations to realize their visions in tandem. — Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026 The mission confirmed the presence of water ice at the lunar south pole, one of the major reasons why countries like the United States and China want to build moon bases there. — Miles Doran, CBS News, 4 Aug. 2026 Decades later, in 2009, NASA intentionally crashed its LCROSS spacecraft and upper stage in search of ice near the lunar south pole. — Marcia Dunn, Fortune, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for south pole

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of south pole was in the 14th century

Rhymes for south pole

See All Rhymes for south pole

Browse Nearby Words

south polar distance
south pole
Southport
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Cite this Entry

“South pole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/south%20pole. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

south pole

noun
1
often capitalized S&P : the southernmost point of the earth : the southern end of the earth's axis
2
: the pole of a magnet that points toward the south

More from Merriam-Webster on south pole

Nglish: Translation of south pole for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about south pole

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