Viking

noun

Vi·​king ˈvī-kiŋ How to pronounce Viking (audio)
1
a
: one of the pirate Norsemen plundering the coasts of Europe in the 8th to 10th centuries
b
not capitalized : sea rover
2
: scandinavian

Word History

Etymology

Old Norse vīkingr

First Known Use

1795, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of Viking was in 1795

Rhymes for Viking

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Browse Nearby Words

Vijnanavada
Viking
vil
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Viking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Viking. Accessed 26 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

Viking

noun
Vi·​king ˈvī-kiŋ How to pronounce Viking (audio)
: one of the Scandinavians who raided or invaded the coasts of Europe in the 8th to 10th centuries

More from Merriam-Webster on Viking

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Viking

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