Norse

American  

[nawrs] / nɔrs /

adjective

1. of or relating to ancient Scandinavia, its inhabitants, or their language.

2. Norwegian.

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noun

1. (used with a plural verb) the Norwegians, especially the ancient Norwegians.

2. (used with a plural verb) the Northmen or ancient Scandinavians generally.

3. the Norwegian language, especially in its older forms.

Norse British  

/ nɔːs /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of ancient and medieval Scandinavia or its inhabitants

2. of, relating to, or characteristic of Norway

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noun

1. 1. the N group of Germanic languages, spoken in Scandinavia; Scandinavian

   2. any one of these languages, esp in their ancient or medieval forms See also Proto-Norse Old Norse

2. (functioning as plural)

   1. the Norwegians

   2. the Vikings

Other Word Forms

• non-Norse adjectivenon-Norse
• pre-Norse adjective

Etymology

Origin of Norse

1590–1600; perhaps < Dutch noorsch, obsolete variant of noordsch (now noords ), equivalent to noord north + -sch -ish ¹. Compare Norwegian, Swedish, Danish Norsk Norwegian, Norse

Example Sentences

The partnership between ravens and wolves goes back to Norse mythology -- Odin's birds scouted ahead and led prey to the god's canines, a relationship that provided food for all.

From Barron's • Mar. 12, 2026

“Götterdämmerung” is the fourth and final installment of Wagner’s Ring cycle—a Norse saga about a cursed ring that grants power but delivers ruin.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 12, 2026

Although some connections to right-wing extremism persist, Scheel notes that today the reception of Norse mythology is far more varied and reflects a broad spectrum of interests.

From Science Daily • Nov. 23, 2025

Last year Gunvor—which means “vigilant in war” in Old Norse and is also the middle name of Törnqvist’s mother—earned $729 million on $136 billion in revenue, one of its best years ever.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 3, 2025

But it turned out the sci-fi Hela was inspired by the ancient Norse goddess of death, who lives trapped in a land between hell and the living.

From "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot