medieval

Or me·di·ae·val

[mee-dee-ee-vuhl, med-ee-, mid-ee-, mid-ee-vuhl]

adjective

1. of, pertaining to, characteristic of, or in the style of the Middle Ages.

   medieval architecture.

2. Informal.,  extremely old-fashioned; primitive.

medieval

/ ˌmɛdɪˈiːvəl /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or in the style of the Middle Ages

2. informal,  old-fashioned; primitive

medieval

1. A descriptive term for people, objects, events, and institutions of the Middle Ages.

“Medieval” is sometimes used as a term of disapproval for outdated ideas and customs. It may suggest inhuman practices, such as torture of prisoners. (See Inquisition.)

Other Word Forms

• medievally adverb
• antimedieval adjective
• antimedievally adverb
• postmedieval adjective
• pseudomedieval adjective
• pseudomedievally adverb
• quasi-medieval adjective
• unmedieval adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of medieval¹

1820–30; < New Latin medi ( um ) aev ( um ) the middle age + -al ¹. See medium, age

Word History and Origins

Origin of medieval¹

C19: from New Latin medium aevum the middle age. See _medium , _age

Example Sentences

The setting in St George's Hall inside Windsor Castle is a remarkable sight, a mix of medieval banquet and Harry Potter film.

From BBC

It’s a work of pageantry, inspired in part by Hull’s fascination with medieval morality plays, specifically the story of “Everyman,” an examination of self and of our relationship to a higher power.

From Los Angeles Times

A 2022 lawsuit from the American Civil Liberties Union called the conditions “medieval.”

From Los Angeles Times

She's even wholeheartedly thrown herself into a theme when the occasion requires it, once dressing up in medieval garb for a wedding at Bolton Castle.

From BBC

Its 58 scenes, 626 characters and 202 horses give a unique account of the medieval period in Normandy and England, revealing not just information about military traditions but also the precious details of daily life.

From BBC

Related Words

• Gothic 
• antique 
• archaic 
• feudal 
• primitive