Definition of MEDIEVAL (original) (raw)
1
: of, relating to, or characteristic of the [Middle Ages](/dictionary/Middle Ages)
2
: having a quality (such as cruelty) associated with the Middle Ages
3
: extremely outmoded or antiquated
has medieval ideas about the role of women in our society
: a person of the Middle Ages
Did you know?
With its roots medi-, meaning "middle", and ev-, meaning "age", medieval literally means "of the Middle Ages". In this case, middle means "between the Roman empire and the Renaissance"—that is, after the fall of the great Roman state and before the "rebirth" of culture that we call the Renaissance. This same period used to be called the "Dark Ages", since it was believed that in these years civilization all but vanished. And indeed, for most Europeans in these centuries, it was a time of poverty, famine, plague, and superstition, rather than the age of magic, dazzling swordplay, towering castles, and knights in splendid armor displayed in today's graphic novels and video games.
Synonyms
Examples of medieval in a Sentence
Adjective
They're using a computer system that seems positively medieval by today's standards. get rid of that medieval kerosene stove—it stinks and it's dangerous
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The word has been in medieval parlance for centuries. —
Tim Spiers, The Athletic, 29 Dec. 2024 Its story is grand and harkens back to the days of medieval fantasy entries, but its gameplay is frenetic resulting in some stunning combat encounters. —David Faris, Newsweek, 28 Dec. 2024
Michael McElwain: So there are a handful of other exoplanets known that are transiting in a medieval to atmospheric characterization with the James Webb Space Telescope. —Dana Taylor, USA TODAY, 27 June 2024 The site is considered one of the oldest medieval to early modern cemeteries in the city. —Moira Ritter, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for medieval 
Word History
Etymology
Adjective and Noun
New Latin medium aevum Middle Ages
First Known Use
Adjective
1817, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Noun
1856, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of medieval was in 1817
Dictionary Entries Near medieval
Cite this Entry
“Medieval.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/medieval. Accessed 12 Jan. 2025.
Share
More from Merriam-Webster on medieval
Last Updated: 2 Jan 2025 - Updated example sentences
Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!