Rune
noun /ruːn/ — A letter of an ancient Germanic alphabet; a mysterious carved symbol.
Definition
Any of the letters of the runic alphabets used by ancient Germanic and Nordic peoples — carved into stone, bone, and wood, and associated with magical or prophetic meaning. More broadly: any mysterious symbol believed to have power.
Beyond the definition
The rune is not just a letter — it is a letter that knows something. Each rune in the Elder Futhark had a name, a sound, and a meaning. Carving a rune was not merely writing; it was an act.
Origin & history
Old Norse 'rún' — secret, mystery, whisper. Related to Old English 'rūn' (secret counsel). The word itself suggests the concealment of meaning within the mark.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
He carved a rune into the doorframe — half habit, half prayer.
The runes on the stone were twelve centuries old and still legible.
She found a rune that corresponded exactly to what she'd been carrying all year.
How to use it
This entry uses a noun. Follow the examples for articles and singular or plural forms; not every noun takes “a” or “an.”
Choose “Rune” when the meaning fits your context: Any of the letters of the runic alphabets used by ancient Germanic and Nordic peoples — carved into stone, bone, and wood, and associated with magical or prophetic meaning. More broadly: any mysterious symbol believed to have power.
Synonyms
Antonyms
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Related words
Questions about this word
What does "Rune" mean?
Rune is noun meaning: A letter of an ancient Germanic alphabet; a mysterious carved symbol.. Any of the letters of the runic alphabets used by ancient Germanic and Nordic peoples — carved into stone, bone, and wood, and associated with magical or prophetic meaning. More broadly: any mysterious symbol believed to have power.
Where does the word "Rune" come from?
Old Norse 'rún' — secret, mystery, whisper. Related to Old English 'rūn' (secret counsel). The word itself suggests the concealment of meaning within the mark.