1. the North Star; a bright star located near the north celestial pole
Usage: astronomy
2. a guiding principle or central focus that provides direction
Usage: figurative

Examples

• Sailors have used the polestar for navigation for centuries.
• The polestar appears to remain stationary while other stars rotate around it.
• Freedom became the polestar of their political movement.
• Her commitment to justice served as the polestar of her legal career.
• The company’s mission statement acts as a polestar for all business decisions.
• Ancient travelers relied on the polestar to find their way north.