Norse
/nɔːrs/noun
Relating to the Scandinavian peoples, languages, or mythology of the medieval North.
Did you know?The English word is ultimately linked to Old Norse and Old English forms meaning “northern,” so the label for these peoples is literally built from the idea of northward origin.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
“A root meaning “north” is traditionally reconstructed, though the exact form is uncertain.”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*nurþraz
“Northern.”
Old English
OE
norð
“North.”
Old Norse
ON
norrœnn
“Northern; Norse.”
Middle English
ME
norse
“Pertaining to the Northmen or Scandinavians.”
Modern English
English
Norse
“Relating to the Scandinavian peoples, languages, or mythology of the medieval North.”