of, relating to, or characteristic of a Germanic people of northern European origin, exemplified by the Scandinavians.
having or suggesting the physical characteristics associated with these people, typically tall stature, blond hair, blue eyes, and elongated head.
(sometimes lowercase) of or relating to skiing events involving ski jumping and cross-country skiing.
skiing of or relating to competitions in cross-country racing and ski-jumping Compare alpine
(of recreational walking) incorporating the use of poles that resemble ski poles to aid movement
What is Nordic skiing? Nordic is a classification used to refer to types of skiing, including cross-country skiing and ski jumping. The terms Nordic and Nordic skiing are used in contrast with Alpine and Alpine skiing, which refer to what’s sometimes also called downhill skiing. Alpine events include the downhill, the slalom, the giant slalom, and the super giant slalom (popularly called Super G). Both nordic and alpine are sometimes left uncapitalized. There are multiple Nordic events in the Winter Olympics, including multiple events in both ski jumping (Normal Hill and Large Hill) and cross-country skiing (including sprints and longer distance races, such as the one known as Skiathlon). The event called Nordic Combined features both cross-country skiing and ski jumping. There are also Nordic skiing events in the Paralympic Winter Games. The skis used in Nordic skiing differ from those used in Alpine skiing in shape, size, and structure. Example: Alpine skiing gets a lot of attention during the Olympics, but the Nordic events are also very exciting to watch.
1895–1900; < French nordique, equivalent to nord north + -ique -ic
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The city hopes that the revenues from the tax will allow the former imperial capital to remain competitive with the Nordic and Swiss metropolises.
From Barron's ● Jul. 10, 2026
Customers can experience the brand’s latest technology in a setting inspired by Nordic design and Southern California living.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 8, 2026
The Norwegian telecommunications provider said the deal will strengthen its footprint in the largest Nordic market and provide a platform to accelerate growth.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 8, 2026
But the Nordic country has taken significant steps to further the development of quantum systems.
From Barron's ● Jun. 21, 2026
He was tall, muscular, broad shouldered, and distinctly Nordic in his features, with high cheekbones, a chiseled jawline, and cold slate-gray eyes.
From "The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics" by Daniel James Brown
Despite those tasting notes, the little jars of broccoli juice are already in wide circulation among the European teams that dominate nordic skiing, barely a year since becoming commercially available.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 12, 2026
“That is one of the things that I really appreciate about nordic skiing,” Martin said.
From Seattle Times ● Mar. 4, 2022
Erin Martin could have been satisfied with just competing in the nationals and in World Cup para nordic sit ski events.
From Seattle Times ● Mar. 4, 2022
If that last sentence makes no sense, it's an event that combines two nordic sports: ski jumping, then cross-country skiing.
From BBC ● Feb. 1, 2022
Instead of the nordic hearth there is the courtyard about which the women sit while the men are away at the marketplace.
From Rosinante to the Road Again by Dos Passos, John
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
