Viking

American  

[vahy-king] / ˈvaɪ kɪŋ /

noun

(sometimes lowercase)

1. any of the Scandinavian pirates who plundered the coasts of Europe from the 8th to 10th centuries.

2. a sea-roving bandit; pirate.

3. a Scandinavian.

4. U.S. Aerospace. one of a series of space probes that obtained scientific information about Mars.

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Viking British  

/ ˈvaɪkɪŋ /

noun

1. Also called: Norseman.   Northman.  any of the Danes, Norwegians, and Swedes who raided by sea most of N and W Europe from the 8th to the 11th centuries, later often settling, as in parts of Britain

2. any sea rover, plunderer, or pirate

3. either of two unmanned American spacecraft that reached Mars in 1976

4. (modifier) of, relating to, or characteristic of a Viking or Vikings

   a Viking ship

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Etymology

Origin of Viking

1800–10; < Scandinavian; compare Old Norse vīkingr; compare Old English wīcing pirate; etymology disputed

Example Sentences

The above essay is excerpted from the essay “Home Going” in “Freedom” by Zinzi Clemmons, published by Viking this June.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026

"If you had to choose one sportsperson in the world that doesn't need much hair and make up to look like a Viking, it's Erling Haaland," Yarrow said.

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026

Fortunately for Yarrow, Scotland won't encounter his Viking warriors until the quarter-final stage at the earliest.

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026

Readers will find engrossing case studies of well-known disasters such as the Titanic and the USS Indianapolis, as well as sections on bygone Viking wrecks and the mysterious “ghost ships” of seafaring lore.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

“The Viking likes a closer,” Freddie began, but as soon as he said her nickname, she pounced and shoved him in the shoulders.

From "Tradition" by Brendan Kiely