longship

[ lawng-ship, long- ]

noun

1. a medieval ship used in northern Europe especially by the Norse, having a long, narrow, open hull, a single square sail, and a large number of oars, which provided most of the propulsion.

longship

/ ˈlɒŋˌʃɪp /

noun

1. a narrow open vessel with oars and a square sail, used esp by the Vikings during medieval times

Word History and Origins

Origin of longship¹

First recorded in 1560–70; long ¹ + ship ¹

Example Sentences

Now we saw a boat lowered from the longship's side, and one by one armed men entered her, and she sank deeply in the water.

From Project Gutenberg

The galley, or longship, had carried guns on a platform at the bows, pointing forward.

From Project Gutenberg

There seemed every chance that we should be upon the longship before they knew what we were about, for we had the weather gauge.

From Project Gutenberg

Now the longship held on her course steadily, never shifting her helm for so much as a point.

From Project Gutenberg

The Longship's lighthouse stood up, a grey shadow in a grey scene.

From Project Gutenberg