kenning

1 of 2

noun (1)

ken·​ning ˈke-niŋ 

chiefly Scotland

: a perceptible but small amount

kenning

2 of 2

noun (2)

: a metaphorical compound word or phrase (such as swan-road for ocean) used especially in Old English and Old Norse poetry

Examples of kenning in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

This is a kenning that evokes a natural transition to darkness and also an unfinished human endeavor. —Jonah Walters, Longreads, 24 Oct. 2024

The kenning’s true meaning lies beyond the edges of my comprehension. —Jonah Walters, Longreads, 24 Oct. 2024

My favorite parts of the book are those where there's a new kenning. —Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 14 Apr. 2023

Most of the writers attempting to imitate Tolkien weren’t steeped in the rhythm of Old English kennings, or the spiritual yearning of chivalric romance. —Matthew Gavin Frank, Harper's Magazine, 2 June 2023

Weinersmith has successfully captured the spirit of this timeless story, weaving in generous amounts of alliteration and his version of Old English kennings, a compound figure of speech that replaces a common noun with two or more words that make for a more figurative than literal description. —Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 14 Apr. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, sight, view, from gerund of kennen

Noun (2)

Old Norse, from kenna

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1786, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1883, in the meaning defined above