Frederick V (31 March 1723 – 14 January 1766) was king of Denmark–Norway and Duke of Schleswig-Holstein from 6 August 1746 until his death in 1766. He was the son of Christian VI of Denmark and Sophie Magdalene of Brandenburg-Kulmbach.

Although the personal influence of Frederick was limited, his reign was marked by the progress of commerce and trade, and art and science prospered under his reign. Unlike his parents who were deeply devoted to Pietism, Frederick grew into a hedonist. As regent, he took part in the conduct of government by attending council meetings, but he was afflicted by alcoholism and most of his rule was dominated by able ministers such as A. G. Moltke, J. H. E. Bernstorff and H. C. Schimmelmann. Although he wasn't personally interested in cultural affairs, the public entertainment and freedom of expression that had been banned during his father's reign was again permitted.

In 1760 Frederick broke his leg in a drunken accident, which greatly weakened him. The king died at the age of forty-two, after a twenty-year reign. He had been a pleasant change compared to the pious Christian VI's autocracy, and when Frederick died there were many who mourned. His last words were reportedly: "It is a great consolation to me in my last hour that I have never wilfully offended anyone, and that there is not a drop of blood on my hands."