fjord

noun

fē-ˈȯrd  ˈfē-ˌȯrd 

ˈfyȯrd

variants or less commonly fiord

: a narrow inlet of the sea between cliffs or steep slopes

the fjords of Norway

Illustration of fjord

Synonyms of fjord

• bay
• estuary
• loch
• cove

Examples of fjord in a Sentence

a cruise through the breathtaking fjords along the coast of Norway

Recent Examples on the Web

Her work has taken her around the world to multiple fashion weeks and Super Bowls, cruising Egypt and the Norwegian fjords, and across Europe and Asia. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Aug. 2026

The scenery is less dramatic than a Norwegian fjord, but the constantly changing view makes the arrival itself part of the attraction. — David Nikel, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

On a Alaska sailing, for example, glaciers, fjords, wildlife, and waterfalls are the stars of the show. — Kristy Tolley, Travel + Leisure, 15 Aug. 2026

The incident took place earlier this month when a vessel was sailing in a fjord in northeastern Svalbard, around 620 miles from the North Pole. — CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Norwegian fjord, from Old Norse fjǫrthr — more at ford

First Known Use

1674, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for fjord

• board
• bored
• chord
• cord
• corde
• cored
• floored
• gored
• gourd
• hoard
• horde
• lord

Kids Definition

fjord

noun

variants also fiord

fē-ˈȯrd

: a narrow inlet of the sea between cliffs or steep slopes

Etymology

Norwegian