1 fjord | Definition of fjord

fjord

noun
\ fē-ˈȯrd How to pronounce fjord (audio) , ˈfē-ˌȯrd; ˈfyȯrd How to pronounce fjord (audio) \
variants: or less commonly

Definition of fjord

: a narrow inlet of the sea between cliffs or steep slopes the fjords of Norway

Illustration of fjord

Illustration of fjord

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Synonyms for fjord

Synonyms

arm, bay, bight, cove, creek [chiefly British], embayment, estuary, firth, gulf, inlet, loch [Scottish]

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Examples of fjord in a Sentence

a cruise through the breathtaking fjords along the coast of Norway

Recent Examples on the Web

Politicians have tussled for years over the fate of the Tongass, a massive stretch of southeastern Alaska replete with old-growth spruce, hemlock and cedar, rivers running with salmon, and dramatic fjords. Anchorage Daily News, "Trump pushes to allow new logging in Alaska’s Tongass National Forest," 27 Aug. 2019 Instead of having fun, some people now flock to remote strawberry farms or Icelandic fjords to take photos to impress their friends on Instagram. The Economist, "For some in China, the aim of travel is to create 15-second videos," 15 Aug. 2019 In theory, the boutique hotel and hanging pool would overlook the Norwegian fjord and provide some incredible views of the Scandinavian wilderness. Elizabeth Gulino, House Beautiful, "An Architect Designed an Insane Hotel That Hangs Off a Cliff And It’s Terrifying," 25 July 2019 Mazur, a University of Gothenburg colleague and former student of Wåhlin’s, had worked on Ran’s earliest test runs in Swedish fjords last summer. Adam Rogers, WIRED, "A Submarine Goes Under a Failing Glacier to Gauge Rising Seas," 6 Aug. 2019 But navigating a boat into the fjord, where the LeConte Glacier slips into the sea, is tricky on a good day. Jenny Howard, National Geographic, "Alaskan glaciers melting 100 times faster than previously thought," 25 July 2019 What’s more, researchers noticed that the reindeer seemed to be modifying their behavior in response to the rainy winters and a lack of fjord ice. Brigit Katz, Smithsonian, "More Than 200 Reindeer Starved to Death in Norway," 31 July 2019 Featuring some of the country’s most dramatic scenery, Grand Teton National Park includes spectacular snowcapped peaks, their profiles reflected in fjord-like lakes and a slowly flowing river. Joe Yogerst, National Geographic, "Everything to know about Grand Teton National Park," 29 July 2019 The riders will pedal along empty sandy beaches, fjords, Viking ruins, fortresses defending immaculate medieval towns, and the burial grounds known as the birthplace of Denmark. New York Times, "The Tour de France to Start in Denmark in 2021," 13 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'fjord.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of fjord

1674, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for fjord

Norwegian fjord, from Old Norse fjǫrthr — more at ford

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More Definitions for fjord

fjord

noun

English Language Learners Definition of fjord

: a narrow part of the ocean between cliffs or steep hills or mountains

fjord

noun
variants: or fiord \ fÄ“-​ˈȯrd \

Kids Definition of fjord

: a narrow inlet of the sea between cliffs or steep slopes

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More from Merriam-Webster on fjord

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with fjord

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for fjord

Spanish Central: Translation of fjord

Nglish: Translation of fjord for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fjord