# Viking

/ˈvaɪkɪŋ/ (US) · /vˈaɪkɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/viking
Updated: 2026-05-03

## Definition

a member of the group of people from Scandinavia who traveled by sea to trade and fight in Europe over a thousand years ago. They are famous for their long ships and for being strong warriors.

For teachers: a member of the seafaring Scandinavian people who raided, traded, and settled across wide areas of Europe from the late 8th to the late 11th century. Often used to describe the culture and language of this historical period.

## Examples

- The Vikings sailed across the ocean in long wooden ships.
- Archaeologists recently discovered a buried Viking ship that provides new evidence about how these ancient people lived and traveled.
- While popular media often portrays the Viking as a mindless raider, historical evidence suggests a complex society of skilled traders, poets, and explorers who established vast networks across the North Atlantic.

## Usage notes

- When referring to the historical group or the era, it is almost always capitalized.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.