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Word of the Day Wednesday, June 10, 2026

kenning

/kɛnɪŋ/ noun · British & US
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What does kenning mean?

noun

A poetic device in which a thing or concept is referred to by a phrase that is a combination of two words, often with a metaphorical or figurative meaning. In Old English and Norse poetry, kennings were used to create vivid and evocative descriptions.

Example

"The Viking poet used a kenning to describe the sea as 'whale's road', emphasizing its power and majesty."

Definition generated by AI and curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.

Synonyms for kenning

Rhymes with kenning

Etymologically related