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

Lofoten Islands, Norway Norway’s Lofoten Islands attract affluent travelers with dramatic fjords, Arctic fishing villages, and year-round opportunities to experience the Northern Lights or the midnight sun from a relatively uncrowded setting. — Paula Conway, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Some years ago, the Norwegian military discovered a new petroleum reserve close to land, likely in a fjord. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 20 July 2026

Its shallow draft allows access to narrow inlets and wildlife-rich fjords beyond the reach of larger ships. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2026

Trenholm’s work focuses on Arctic glacial fjord systems, investigating the physical and biogeochemical changes occurring as glaciers retreat and assessing what that means for coastal ecosystems and global sea levels. — Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 18 July 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