víkingr
/ˈwiːkinɡɹ̝/
The Old Norse word for warrior is víkingr.
víkingr refers to a person actively engaged in battle, conflict or warfare.
Meaning: person actively engaged in battle, conflict or warfare (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈwiːkinɡɹ̝/
Did you know?
- Old Norse poetry often avoided using the word víkingr in favor of 'kennings', which are metaphorical compound words, such as calling a warrior a 'feeder of ravens'.
- While víkingr is used for 'warrior', the Old Norse language has different words for types of warriors, such as drengr, which described a young man of high courage and honor.
- Some linguists believe the word is built from the root vík, meaning a 'bay' or 'inlet', suggesting a warrior was someone from the coastal bays.
Examples in context
- Hann var sterkur víkingr.He was a strong warrior.
- Hver víkingr mun berjast.Every warrior will fight.
- Sá víkingr var mjög djarfur.That warrior was very bold.
Example conversation
Two people are discussing a legendary fighter by a campfire.
- BjornEr hann góðr víkingr?Is he a good warrior?
- GunnhildJá, hann er mjög mikill víkingr.Yes, he is a great warrior.
- BjornMun hann sigra í bardaganum?Will he win in the battle?
- GunnhildÉg tel það.I believe so.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry víkingr, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries víkingr, CC BY-SA 4.0.
