adj Uncommon

Nordic

NAW-dihk

Nordic (adj) means relating to the Nordic countries — Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland — or their people and culture. Example: “The show is famous for its bleak Nordic crime dramas.”

adj

Relating to the Nordic countries — Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland — or their people and culture.

"The show is famous for its bleak Nordic crime dramas."

"Nordic design is known for clean lines and pale wood."

Relating to a style of skiing that involves cross-country movement or ski jumping, as opposed to downhill.

"She competes in Nordic skiing events."

noun

A person from, or with ancestry from, the Nordic countries.

"Tall, fair-haired Nordics filled the ski lodge."

How to use Nordic

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo do with Scandinavia/the Nordic region, or with cross-country-style skiing.

UK vs US

In everyday use, "Nordic" and "Scandinavian" are often swapped, but strictly Scandinavian usually means just Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, while Nordic also includes Finland and Iceland.

Common pairings

Nordic countries Nordic noir Nordic skiing Nordic design

Word forms

more Nordic comparative, Nordics plural, most Nordic superlative

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Fill the gap

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The show is famous for its bleak _____ crime dramas.

Etymology

Borrowed via French nordique from nord, "north."

Origin: French

Synonyms

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Scandinavian Norse

Related words

Norwegian Scandinavian Norse Northman

Frequently asked questions

What does “Nordic” mean?

The word “Nordic” means relating to the Nordic countries — Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland — or their people and culture. In plain terms, to do with Scandinavia/the Nordic region, or with cross-country-style skiing.

How do you pronounce “Nordic”?

“Nordic” is pronounced NAW-dihk (/ˈnɔɹ.dɪk/ in IPA).

How do you use “Nordic” in a sentence?

Here is “Nordic” used in a sentence: “The show is famous for its bleak Nordic crime dramas.”

What part of speech is “Nordic”?

Depending on how it is used, “Nordic” can be an adjective and a noun.

Where does the word “Nordic” come from?

The word “Nordic” comes from French. Borrowed via French nordique from nord, "north.".

Is “Nordic” a common word?

“Nordic” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “Nordic” have?

“Nordic” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to the Nordic countries — Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland — or their people and culture.

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