Norse

1 of 2

noun

ˈnȯrs 

plural Norse

1

a

: norwegian sense 2

b

: any of the western Scandinavian dialects or languages

c

: the Scandinavian group of Germanic languages

2

plural

a

: scandinavians

b

: norwegians

Norse

2 of 2

adjective

1

: of or relating to ancient Scandinavia or the language of its inhabitants

2

: norwegian

Examples of Norse in a Sentence

Noun

The Norse arrived in the ninth century.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The production features costume work by Norse Dragon Armoury, an original score by composer Siddhartha Barnhoorn and cinematography by Morgan Andrews. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 13 Jan. 2026

Changing climate drove Norse settlers out of Greenland 700 years ago. —Paul Bierman, Washington Post, 7 Jan. 2026

And if the teaser footage was not enough to convince fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) of the character’s return, on-screen text officially confirms the return of the beloved Norse god. —Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 30 Dec. 2025

While the word doesn’t appear in Viking-era texts, archaeological evidence suggests that dairy fermentation was widespread in Norse settlements. —Marisa McMillan, Outside, 29 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

probably from obsolete Dutch noorsch, adjective, Norwegian, Scandinavian, alteration of obsolete Dutch noordsch northern, from Dutch noord north; akin to Old English north north

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1560, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

circa 1650, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing Norse

• Old Norse
• the Norse

Rhymes for Norse

• bourse
• coarse
• course
• force
• gorse
• hoarse
• horse
• source
• concourse
• divorce
• endorse
• enforce

Kids Definition

Norse

noun

ˈnȯ(ə)rs

1

plural Norse

a

: the Scandinavian people

b

: the Norwegian people

2

a

: norwegian sense 2

b

: any of the Scandinavian languages

Norse adjective