pack ice

noun

: sea ice formed into a mass by the crushing together of pans, floes, and brash

Examples of pack ice in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Submerged in the frigid waters of the Weddell Sea, the famed vessel sank after getting stuck in pack ice in 1915. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Oct. 2024 Zooming out, the digital replica also offers insights into how the pack ice warped and crushed the vessel’s hull and masts. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Oct. 2024 In 1914 Sir Ernest Shackleton set out to traverse Antarctica but his ship got trapped in pack ice and ultimately sank. Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 13 Sep. 2024 However, when the ship became stuck in polar pack ice, the crew had to abandon it. Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for pack ice 

Word History

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pack ice was in 1842

Dictionary Entries Near pack ice

Cite this Entry

“Pack ice.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pack%20ice. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

pack ice

noun
: sea ice formed into a mass by the crushing together of chunks and sheets of ice

More from Merriam-Webster on pack ice

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!