Old Norse

noun

1. the Germanic language of medieval Scandinavia. : ON, ON., O.N.

Old Norse

noun

1. the language or group of dialects of medieval Scandinavia and Iceland from about 700 to about 1350, forming the North Germanic branch of the Indo-European family of languages ON See also Proto-Norse Old Icelandic

Word History and Origins

Origin of Old Norse¹

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

Seattle poet Sierra Nelson, Didden says, “was interested in Old Norse and the Icelandic language, and she’s looking at runes” in her performance.

From Seattle Times

Like way, way back — all the way to the Old Norse.

From Los Angeles Times

The word “bollard” seems to derive from the Old Norse word “boir,” which means “tree trunk.”

From Washington Post

In tandem with her textile analysis, she examined the legal texts—most of which had, thankfully, already been translated from Old Norse into modern English.

From Scientific American

“Rest in Peace” it said in Old Norse Icelandic.

From Literature