Norse

1 of 2

noun

plural Norse
1
b
: any of the western Scandinavian dialects or languages
c
: the Scandinavian group of Germanic languages
2
plural

Norse

2 of 2

adjective

1
: of or relating to ancient Scandinavia or the language of its inhabitants
2

Examples of Norse in a Sentence

Noun The Norse arrived in the ninth century.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The group – which touts itself as a pagan collective that worships Norse gods – also took credit for originally catapulting Springfield onto the national stage by amplifying ugly memes about the Haitians. Caitlin Hu, CNN Money, 20 Feb. 2026 The writer, perhaps best known for his best-selling Something is Killing the Children, is teaming up with Marguerite Bennett for Odin, a new original horror comic book series that sees neo-Nazi punks face ancient Norse beings. Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 19 Feb. 2026 Also, according to ancient Norse lore, evil and turmoil were brought to the world by the mischievous god Loki, the 13th guest at a dinner party in Valhalla. Bailey Allen, Cape Cod Times, 13 Feb. 2026 Norse mythology also contributes, with the 13th god, Loki, bringing chaos and death. Brandi D. Addison, Freep.com, 13 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for Norse

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of Norse was circa 1560

Cite this Entry

“Norse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Norse. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

Norse

noun
ˈnȯ(ə)rs
1
plural Norse
a
: the Scandinavian people
b
: the Norwegian people
2
b
: any of the Scandinavian languages
Norse adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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