Viking
Viking (noun) means a Scandinavian seafarer of the 8th to 11th centuries, especially one who raided or traded across Europe. Example: “The museum's new exhibit features an actual Viking longship.”
How to use Viking
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA Scandinavian raider or seafarer from the early medieval period — or the popular, horned-helmet image of one (which is actually historically inaccurate).
Real Vikings didn't wear horned helmets — that image is a 19th-century invention, not historical fact.
Word forms
Vikings plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The museum's new exhibit features an actual _____ longship.
Etymology
From Old Norse víkingr, itself from vík ("inlet, bay") plus a suffix meaning "one belonging to" — roughly, "one who raids from the inlets."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for Viking
See all rhymes for Viking →Frequently asked questions
What does “Viking” mean?
The word “Viking” means a Scandinavian seafarer of the 8th to 11th centuries, especially one who raided or traded across Europe. In plain terms, a Scandinavian raider or seafarer from the early medieval period — or the popular, horned-helmet image of one (which is actually historically inaccurate).
How do you pronounce “Viking”?
“Viking” is pronounced VEYE-kihng (/ˈvaɪkɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “Viking” in a sentence?
Here is “Viking” used in a sentence: “The museum's new exhibit features an actual Viking longship.”
What part of speech is “Viking”?
“Viking” is a noun.
Where does the word “Viking” come from?
The word “Viking” comes from Old Norse. From Old Norse víkingr, itself from vík ("inlet, bay") plus a suffix meaning "one belonging to" — roughly, "one who raids from the inlets.".
Is “Viking” a common word?
“Viking” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “Viking” have?
“Viking” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a Scandinavian seafarer of the 8th to 11th centuries, especially one who raided or traded across Europe.
What is the difference between the historical Vikings and the pop-culture image of a Viking?
The historical Vikings were Scandinavian seafarers of the 8th to 11th centuries who raided or traded across Europe, while the pop-culture image is a stock fantasy character type, a burly warrior with an axe and a horned helmet. The horned helmet in particular is a popular invention rather than something worn by actual Viking-age warriors.
Were all Vikings raiders?
No, the term covers Scandinavian seafarers who raided or traded across Europe, meaning trading was as much a part of Viking activity as raiding.
When were the Vikings active?
The Vikings were active from the 8th to 11th centuries, a period often called the Viking Age.
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