noun
Norman
NAW-muhn
noun
1
A member of the Scandinavian-descended people who settled in Normandy, France, and later conquered England in 1066.
"The Normans brought major changes to English law and language after the Conquest."
"Historians still study how Norman rule reshaped English society."
2
A native of the Normandy region of France.
"His mother was a Norman who grew up near the coast."
adj
1
Relating to Normandy, its people, or the Romanesque architectural style the Normans developed, marked by rounded arches and heavy columns.
"The cathedral's Norman arches have survived for nearly a thousand years."
2
Describing a design so confusing that users struggle to figure out how to operate it, in reference to design theorist Don Norman.
"The door had a classic Norman design flaw: nobody could tell whether to push or pull."
How to Use Norman
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRelating to the Normandy region of France or its historical conquering people; also a common given name.
Memory tip
If you've heard of "the Norman Conquest of 1066," that's this word — describing William the Conqueror's Normans taking over England.
Trace the full origin ↓Word Forms
Normans plural, Normen plural, normans plural, normans plural
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The _____ brought major changes to English law and language after the Conquest.
Etymology
From Old English "Normann," ultimately built from the Germanic words for "north" and "man" — describing the Scandinavian settlers who gave Normandy its name.