glacier

noun

gla·​cier ˈglā-shər How to pronounce glacier (audio)
also
-zhər How to pronounce glacier (audio)
 especially British  ˈgla-sē-ə,
 or  ˈglā-sē-ə
: a large body of ice moving slowly down a slope or valley or spreading outward on a land surface

Examples of glacier 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.
Scientists had previously observed faint electrical activity in colliding glaciers or stressed ice sheets. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 17 Sep. 2025 The glaciers in the Swiss Alps have already lost nearly two-thirds of their ice over the past century. Brittney Melton, NPR, 17 Sep. 2025 This region of Indiana, untouched by the retreating glaciers of so many centuries ago, is well known for its limestone. Karl Schneider, IndyStar, 17 Sep. 2025 The European snow season typically runs from late November until early May, thanks to several high-altitude resorts with glaciers that extend the winter season into fall and spring. Duncan Madden, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for glacier

Word History

Etymology

French, from Middle French dialect (Franco-Provençal), from glace ice, from Latin glacies; akin to Latin gelu frost — more at cold

First Known Use

1744, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of glacier was in 1744

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Glacier.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/glacier. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

glacier

noun
gla·​cier ˈglā-shər How to pronounce glacier (audio)
: a large body of ice moving slowly down a slope or valley or spreading outward on a land surface

More from Merriam-Webster on glacier

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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