drift ice

noun

1. detached floating ice in masses that drift with the wind or ocean currents, as in the polar seas.

drift ice

noun

1. masses of ice floating in the open sea

Word History and Origins

Origin of drift ice¹

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

They are generally slightly smaller and, unlike solely land breeding seals found in the British Isles, can give birth to young on both drift ice and on land.

From Science Daily

Officials said they believe the killer whales were able to free themselves from the drift ice as gaps between them grew.

From Seattle Times

A pod of around a dozen killer whales trapped by drift ice in waters off Japan's northern island appear to have successfully escaped, officials say.

From BBC

A pod of killer whales appear to have become stuck in drift ice off the coast of Japan.

From BBC

A railway bridge the Soviets built over the strait at the end of World War II was swept away by drift ice a few months after the first train crossed.

From Washington Post