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Kenning

7 lettersnounrare

Updated June 2026

Definition

A conventional compound metaphor used as a descriptive name for something, especially in Old English and Old Norse poetry, such as using whale-road to mean sea.

The Anglo-Saxon poet used the kenning ring-giver to refer to a generous king.

Pronunciation

Syllables

ken·ning

Related Words

Synonyms

compound epithetpoetic metaphorcircumlocutionperiphrasis

Word Game Tips

🟩

Wordle

K at start, double N in the middle, ends in -ING, the ENING pattern is helpful

🔤

Scrabble

K scores 5, double N adds 2 combined, -ING suffix can hook onto existing board plays

Words Related to Kenning

Words one letter different

Change a single letter of “kenning” to make these 7-letter words — useful for Wordle and crossword clues.

Words you can make from Kenning

Shorter words formed from the letters in “kenning”.

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Dictionary References

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