Fjord: meaning, definitions and examples

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fjord

 

[fjษ”หrd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

geography

A long, narrow inlet with steep sides or cliffs, created by glacial erosion.

Synonyms

channel, inlet, sound.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fjord

Mostly used to describe a long, narrow, deep inlet of the sea between high cliffs, typically formed by the submergence of a glaciated valley. It is commonly found in Norway and New Zealand.

  • The fjord was breathtaking, with steep cliffs rising straight out of the waters.
  • We booked a cruise to explore the famous fjords of Norway.
inlet

An inlet is a small arm of the sea, a lake, or a river. It often refers to a narrow body of water between islands or leading inland from a larger body of water, and it's typically smaller than a fjord.

  • We found a quiet inlet to anchor our boat and swim in the calm waters.
  • The inlet was surrounded by dense forests and offered a serene getaway.
channel

A channel is a wide strait or waterway between two landmasses that lie close to each other, often used for navigation. It can also refer to a part of a river or harbor deep enough for boats to navigate.

  • The English Channel separates the southern coast of England from the northern coast of France.
  • Boats navigated through the narrow channel to reach the harbor.
sound

A sound is a large sea or ocean inlet deeper than a bight and wider than a fjord, or it can be a narrow sea or ocean channel between two bodies of land. It is often used to describe larger coastal bodies of water.

  • Puget Sound in Washington State is known for its scenic beauty and marine life.
  • The sailors navigated through the sound with ease, thanks to the calm waters.

Examples of usage

  • The fjords of Norway are famous for their breathtaking beauty.
  • The boat navigated through the narrow fjord surrounded by towering cliffs.

Interesting Facts

Geography

  • Fjords are typically formed by glacial activity, where glaciers carve deep valleys that later fill with seawater.
  • Norway is famous for its fjords, with over 1,000 fjords dotting its coastline, including the stunning Geirangerfjord.
  • The steep walls of fjords can rise up to 1,400 meters (about 4,593 feet) creating dramatic landscapes.

Etymology

  • The word 'fjord' comes from Old Norse 'fjarรฐr', meaning 'to cross' or 'to traverse', reflecting their historical role as travel routes.
  • Related words include 'fiord' and 'fyrd', showing variations in spelling and pronunciation across languages like Danish and Swedish.

Cultural Significance

  • Fjords often play a significant role in local cultures, with many communities relying on fishing, tourism, and sailing.
  • In Norway, the natural beauty of fjords has inspired painters, writers, and musicians throughout history, becoming iconic symbols.

Wildlife

  • Fjords are rich in marine life, attracted by the mixing of saltwater and freshwater, often supporting diverse ecosystems.
  • Seals, otters, and various seabirds are commonly seen in fjord environments, thriving in these unique habitats.

Tourism

  • Fjords are major tourist attractions, with visitors drawn to their remarkable scenery, hiking opportunities, and boat tours.
  • Norway's fjords have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites, highlighting their significance and natural beauty.

Translations

Translations of the word "fjord" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น fiorde

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคซเคœเฅ‰เคฐเฅเคก

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Fjord

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ fjord

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั„ั–ะพั€ะด

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ fjord

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒ•ใ‚ฃใƒจใƒซใƒ‰

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท fjord

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ fiordo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท fiyort

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํ”ผ์˜ค๋ฅด๋“œ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ููŠูˆุฑุฏ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ fjord

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ fjord

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅณกๆนพ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ fjord

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ fjรถrรฐur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั„ัŒะพั€ะด

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒคแƒ˜แƒแƒ แƒ“แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ fjรถrd

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ fiordo

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,586, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.