Old Norse

American  

noun

1. the Germanic language of medieval Scandinavia. ON, ON., O.N.

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Old Norse British  

noun

1.  ON.  the language or group of dialects of medieval Scandinavia and Iceland from about 700 to about 1350, forming the North Germanic branch of the Indo-European family of languages See also Proto-Norse Old Icelandic

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Etymology

Origin of Old Norse

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

Hauke notes that this portrayal departs significantly from the diversity of roles described in Old Norse sources.

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

Seattle poet Sierra Nelson, Didden says, “was interested in Old Norse and the Icelandic language, and she’s looking at runes” in her performance.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 17, 2023

The word “bollard” seems to derive from the Old Norse word “boir,” which means “tree trunk.”

From Washington Post • Oct. 9, 2022

“Rest in Peace” it said in Old Norse Icelandic.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady