Nordic

1 of 2

adjective

Nor·​dic ˈnȯr-dik 

1

: of or relating to the Germanic peoples of northern Europe and especially of Scandinavia

2

: of or relating to a group or physical type characterized by tall stature, long head, light skin and hair, and blue eyes

3

a

: of or relating to competitive ski events involving cross-country racing, ski jumping, or biathlon compare alpine

b

: of, relating to, or being cross-country skiing

Nordic

2 of 2

noun

1

: a native of northern Europe

2

: a person of Nordic physical type

3

: a member of the peoples of Scandinavia

Examples of Nordic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Last week, the Nordic country became the first in the world to grant an operational license for a permanent underground repository to store spent nuclear fuel. — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026

The actor, who gravitates toward outré romantic roles—see last year’s BDSM romcom Pillion or his tenure as a Nordic vampire on HBO’s True Blood—is beloved online, so a big reaction was to be expected. — Janelle Okwodu, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2026

Noun

Nordic Knots’s rug is one way to add a slight edge to your floors, as its sharp geometry on soft wool juxtaposes the severity of the shapes. — Alex Eagle, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2026

In 1997, Exel designed the first Nordic Walker® poles specifically for the activity. — Lola Akinmade, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

French nordique, from nord north, from Old French north, from Old English

First Known Use

Adjective

1824, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1900, in the meaning defined at sense 1