noun Common

Norman

NAW-muhn

Norman (noun) means a member of the Scandinavian-descended people who settled in Normandy, France, and later conquered England in 1066. Example: “The Normans brought major changes to English law and language after the Conquest.”

noun

A member of the Scandinavian-descended people who settled in Normandy, France, and later conquered England in 1066.

"The Normans brought major changes to English law and language after the Conquest."

"Historians still study how Norman rule reshaped English society."

A native of the Normandy region of France.

"His mother was a Norman who grew up near the coast."

adj

Relating to Normandy, its people, or the Romanesque architectural style the Normans developed, marked by rounded arches and heavy columns.

"The cathedral's Norman arches have survived for nearly a thousand years."

Describing a design so confusing that users struggle to figure out how to operate it, in reference to design theorist Don Norman.

"The door had a classic Norman design flaw: nobody could tell whether to push or pull."

How to use Norman

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishRelating to the Normandy region of France or its historical conquering people; also a common given name.

Memory tip

If you've heard of "the Norman Conquest of 1066," that's this word — describing William the Conqueror's Normans taking over England.

Trace the full origin ↓

Word forms

Normans plural, Normen plural, normans plural, normans plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ brought major changes to English law and language after the Conquest.

Etymology

From Old English "Normann," ultimately built from the Germanic words for "north" and "man" — describing the Scandinavian settlers who gave Normandy its name.

Origin: Old English

Rhymes for Norman

Forman Gorman Borman Corman doorman Boorman anchorman

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Frequently asked questions

What does “Norman” mean?

The word “Norman” means a member of the Scandinavian-descended people who settled in Normandy, France, and later conquered England in 1066. In plain terms, relating to the Normandy region of France or its historical conquering people; also a common given name.

How do you pronounce “Norman”?

“Norman” is pronounced NAW-muhn (/ˈnɔɹmən/ in IPA).

How do you use “Norman” in a sentence?

Here is “Norman” used in a sentence: “The Normans brought major changes to English law and language after the Conquest.”

What part of speech is “Norman”?

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

Where does the word “Norman” come from?

The word “Norman” comes from Old English. From Old English "Normann," ultimately built from the Germanic words for "north" and "man" — describing the Scandinavian settlers who gave Normandy its name.

Is “Norman” a common word?

“Norman” is a fairly common word in modern English.

How many meanings does “Norman” have?

“Norman” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a member of the Scandinavian-descended people who settled in Normandy, France, and later conquered England in 1066.

What is the difference between the Normans and the Vikings?

The Normans were descended from Scandinavian (Viking) settlers who established themselves in Normandy, in northern France. Over time they adopted French customs, so by the time they conquered England in 1066 they were a distinct people rather than the seafaring Vikings their ancestors had been.

What is the difference between the Normans and the Anglo-Saxons?

The Anglo-Saxons were the people already living in England, while the Normans were the Scandinavian-descended people from Normandy who conquered England in 1066. The Norman conquest replaced much of the Anglo-Saxon ruling class.

Is Norman a first name or a surname?

Beyond its historical meaning as a member of the people who settled Normandy, Norman is used today as a male given name. It can also appear as a surname, so the specific person or context determines how it functions.

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