Viking: meaning, definitions and examples
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viking
[ ˈvaɪkɪŋ ]
historical group
Vikings were seafaring Norse people from the late eighth to early 11th century, primarily from what is now Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. They are known for their raids, trading, and exploration across Europe and the North Atlantic. The Viking Age is characterized by their longships, which allowed them to navigate deep rivers and open seas. Vikings established settlements and engaged in trade, affecting many cultures across Europe. Their legacy includes notable sagas and historical impacts on language, culture, and society.
Synonyms
Norsemen, Scandinavian explorers, sea raiders
Examples of usage
- The Vikings explored North America.
- She dressed up as a Viking for Halloween.
- The museum has a collection of Viking artifacts.
- Vikings traded along the rivers of Europe.
- He studied the history of the Viking Age.
Translations
Translations of the word "viking" in other languages:
🇵🇹 viking
🇮🇳 वाइकिंग
🇩🇪 Wikinger
🇮🇩 viking
🇺🇦 вікінг
🇵🇱 wiking
🇯🇵 バイキング
🇫🇷 viking
🇪🇸 vikingo
🇹🇷 viking
🇰🇷 바이킹
🇸🇦 فايكنغ
🇨🇿 viking
🇸🇰 viking
🇨🇳 维京人
🇸🇮 viking
🇮🇸 víkingur
🇰🇿 викинг
🇬🇪 ვიკინგი
🇦🇿 viking
🇲🇽 vikingo
Etymology
The term 'Viking' likely derives from the Old Norse word 'vikingr', which originally referred to a person engaging in seafaring or pirate activities. The word came to be associated with the Norsemen who explored, raided, and settled in various parts of Europe between the late 8th and early 11th centuries, a period known as the Viking Age. The Vikings hailed from the Scandinavian regions, where they developed advanced shipbuilding techniques that allowed them to travel vast distances across the ocean and navigate shallow river waters. Initially, the resources and wealth they sought included precious metals, land, and slaves, which motivated their expeditions. The complexity of Viking society included not only raiders but also traders, settlers, and explorers, contributing significantly to the historical and cultural fabric of the places they interacted with. Viking influence can still be seen today in various cultural and genetic traces across Europe and even in North America. The image of the Viking as a fierce warrior is prevalent in popular culture, but they were also skilled craftsmen, farmers, and traders, which reflects a more nuanced view of their contributions to history.