Norse seafarers from Scandinavia (roughly 793-1066 CE) who were known for sailing, raiding, trading, and establishing settlements across Europe.
From Old Norse 'víkingr,' possibly meaning 'pirate' or 'a man from a bay' (from 'vík' meaning bay or inlet). The word originally described raiders but evolved to describe the entire Norse seafaring culture. It became romanticized over time.
Hollywood shows Vikings as mindless raiders, but they were actually sophisticated traders and navigators who followed complex trade routes, founded settlements, and established trading posts from North America to the Middle East. The 'Viking Age' is a modern label—they called themselves Norsemen, and most spent their time farming and trading, not fighting.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.