Carolingian

[ kar-uh-lin-jee-uhn ]

adjective

1. of or relating to the Frankish dynasty that reigned in France a.d. 751–987, first under Charlemagne, and in Germany until a.d. 911.
2. pertaining to or designating the arts, script, or culture of the Carolingian period, chiefly characterized by a revival of the forms of classical antiquity modified by ecclesiastical requirements:

   Carolingian renaissance.

noun

1. a member of the Carolingian dynasty. : Carol.

Carolingian

/ ˌkærəˈlɪndʒɪən /

adjective

1. of or relating to the Frankish dynasty founded by Pepin the Short, son of Charles Martel, which ruled in France from 751–987 ad and in Germany until 911 ad

noun

1. a member of the dynasty of the Carolingian Franks

Other Words From

• post-Car·o·lingi·an adjective
• pre-Car·o·lingi·an adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Carolingian¹

1880–85; re-formation of earlier Carlovingian (conformed to Medieval Latin Carolus Magnus Charlemagne) < French carlovingien, equivalent to Medieval Latin Car ( o ) l ( us ) + French -ovingien, extracted from mérovingien Merovingian

Example Sentences

For example, the Carolingians in the 9th century.

From Salon

I’m not likely to forget the Viking warrior Rollo, whose henchman flipped the Carolingian king Charles the Simple onto his backside so he could kiss the royal foot without kneeling in obeisance.

From Washington Post

But just reading the history book about Charlemagne, who was an emperor that led the Carolingian dynasty.

From Seattle Times

Using metal detectors, they uncovered more than 100 more silver coins minted during the Carolingian Empire, which was founded in the early ninth century by Emperor Charlemagne.

From New York Times

An enlightened reformer with a warrior-like ferocity, he united most of Western Europe and spearheaded the Carolingian Renaissance that enhanced arts and culture in medieval society.

From Washington Post