runic
Americanadjective
-
consisting of or set down in runes.
runic inscriptions.
-
having some secret or mysterious meaning.
runic rhyme.
-
(of ornamental knots, figures, etc.) of an interlaced form seen on ancient monuments, metalwork, etc., of the northern European peoples.
-
of the ancient Scandinavian class or type, as literature or poetry.
Etymology
Origin of runic
Explanation
Runic writing consists of ancient characters that are tough to decipher. These days the word might better fit a doctor's signature or a confusing instruction manual. Runes were the symbols used by Germanic people for writing in the Middle Ages. In those days, writing was rare, and people tended to look at it is as magical and a little threatening. Runic inscriptions continue to have an air of mystery about them, because they're so hard to read.
Vocabulary lists containing runic
"The Bells" by Edgar Allan Poe
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Beowulf vocabulary
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Cormac McCarthy's "The Road"
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Investors and commentators scrutinize the tables and graphs—especially a runic “dot plot” of individual committee members’ guesses about future interest rates—for clues about the Fed’s thinking.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026
In addition, the AVM Stone apparently also carries the runic date of 1363, which would conveniently connect it to the same event alleged to be recorded on the original Kensington stone.
From Slate • Nov. 11, 2023
“It’s one of the best executed runic inscriptions that I have ever seen,” Imer said.
From Seattle Times • Mar. 8, 2023
He remembers one arrangement, a soiled onesie on a chessboard mat splashed with runic handwriting.
From New York Times • Jan. 13, 2023
The stone Pensieve lay in the cabinet where it had always been: Harry heaved it onto the desk and poured Snape’s memories into the wide basin with its runic markings around the edge.
From "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling
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.
