völkerwanderung

noun

völ·​ker·​wanderung
ˈfə̄lkə(r)ˌvändəˌru̇ŋ
plural völkerwanderungen
-ŋən
: the migration of nations
especially : the movement into southern and western Europe of the Teutonic peoples, Huns, and Slavs from the 2d century a.d. to about the 11th century reaching the peak in the 5th and 6th centuries and closing with the settling of Norsemen in England and France

Word History

Etymology

German (translation of Latin migratio gentium), from völker nations (plural of volk people, nation, from Old High German folc) + wanderung wandering, migration, from Middle High German wanderunge, from wandern to wander + -unge -ing (from Old High German -unga)

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near völkerwanderung

Cite this Entry

“Völkerwanderung.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/v%C3%B6lkerwanderung. Accessed 9 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!