Northumbrian

1 of 2

adjective

North·​um·​bri·​an nȯr-ˈthəm-brē-ən 

1

: of, relating to, or characteristic of ancient Northumbria, its people, or its language

2

: of, relating to, or characteristic of Northumberland, its people, or its language

Northumbrian

2 of 2

noun

1

: a native or inhabitant of ancient Northumbria

2

: a native or inhabitant of Northumberland

3

a

: the Old English dialect of Northumbria

b

: the Modern English dialect of Northumberland

Examples of Northumbrian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

In the distillery, the first (legal) Northumbrian English Single Malt Whisky in over 200 years is currently maturing, with the first limited release set to be available in 2026. —Emese MacZko, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025

It’s been nearly 14 centuries since the monastery founded by St. Hild of Whitby, a prominent abbess in 7th century Anglo-Saxon England, hosted the Northumbrian kingdom’s assembly to discuss the date on which its Christian church would celebrate Easter. —Marc Ramirez, USA TODAY, 28 Apr. 2023

The shift in power shift weakened the Northumbrian kingdom, and Eardwulf was forced to live out his days in (relative) isolation. —Isis Davis-Marks, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 July 2021

Noun

In August, 57 swimmers fell ill after competing in the World Triathlon Championships in Sunderland, with some blaming the state of the water — a claim disputed by Northumbrian Water. —Matt Woosnam, The Athletic, 4 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1602, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1531, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for Northumbrian

• umbrian