aurora borealis

noun

aurora bo·​re·​al·​is -ˌbȯr-ē-ˈa-ləs How to pronounce aurora borealis (audio)
: an aurora that occurs in earth's northern hemisphere

called also northern lights

Examples of aurora borealis 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.
The aurora borealis is the entire reason for this journey up Norway’s coast and our first major sighting has felt like a long time coming. — Heather Greenwood Davis, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Apr. 2026 On the other hand, if seeing the northern lights tops your list, a trip to Norway between late September and early April will land you there during the aurora borealis season. — Elizabeth Preske, Travel + Leisure, 11 June 2026 Known for creating ribbons of colorful light in the night sky, the aurora borealis are polar lights, or aurora polaris, that appear in the Northern Hemisphere. — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 15 May 2026 By Andrea Sachs The Washington Post After a spectacular run, the aurora borealis is taking its final bow. — The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for aurora borealis

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, literally, northern dawn

First Known Use

1707, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of aurora borealis was in 1707

Rhymes for aurora borealis

See All Rhymes for aurora borealis

Browse Nearby Words

aurora australis
aurora borealis
aurora glory
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Aurora borealis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aurora%20borealis. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

aurora borealis

noun
aurora bo·​re·​al·​is -ˌbōr-ē-ˈal-əs How to pronounce aurora borealis (audio)
-ˌbȯr-
: broad bands of light that have a magnetic and electrical source and that appear in the sky at night especially in the arctic region

called also northern lights

More from Merriam-Webster on aurora borealis

Nglish: Translation of aurora borealis for Spanish Speakers

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