rune

noun

ˈrün 

1

: any of the characters of any of several alphabets used by the Germanic peoples from about the 3rd to the 13th centuries

2

: mystery, magic

3

[Finnish runo, of Germanic origin; akin to Old Norse rūn]

a

: a Finnish or Old Norse poem

b

: poem, song

runic

ˈrü-nik 

adjective

Illustration of rune

• Anglo-Saxon runic alphabet

Synonyms

• lyric
• poem
• song
• verse

Examples of rune in a Sentence

wrote many mournful runes after her lover's untimely death

Recent Examples on the Web

The inscription on the ring contains almost 250 runes, or letters in the alphabet used by the Vikings and other Germanic peoples. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 14 Aug. 2024

Holder’s son dated Abby Williams and Holder posted an image of runes on his Facebook page that Allen’s attorneys claim resembled the way in which one of the bodies was arranged. —Kristine Phillips, The Indianapolis Star, 2 Aug. 2024

The runes of the not-quite-midi, not-quite-maxi skirt could be read across the recent collections. —Daniel Rodgers, Glamour, 10 Apr. 2024

Parallels between the number 44 and the SS rune of the Nazi Schutzstaffel paramilitary organization — similar to two lightning bolts — were first drawn last week on social media. —Kate Brady, Washington Post, 2 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Old Norse & Old English rūn mystery, runic character, writing; akin to Old High German rūna secret discussion, Old Irish rún mystery

First Known Use

1676, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

rune

noun

ˈrün 

: any of the characters of an alphabet used by the Germanic peoples from about the 3rd to the 13th centuries

runic

ˈrü-nik 

adjective