Dark Ages

noun

1. the period in European history from about a.d. 476 to about 1000.
2. the whole of the Middle Ages, from about a.d. 476 to the Renaissance.
3. (often lowercase) a period or stage marked by repressiveness, a lack of enlightenment or advanced knowledge, etc.

Dark Ages

plural noun

1. the period from about the late 5th century ad to about 1000 ad , once considered an unenlightened period
2. (occasionally) the whole medieval period

Dark Ages

1. A term sometimes applied to the early Middle Ages , the first few centuries after the Fall of Rome . The term suggests prevailing ignorance and barbarism, but there were forces for culture and enlightenment throughout the period.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Dark Ages¹

First recorded in 1720–30

Example Sentences

But 15 years after Napster, we are still in the Dark Ages of online music.

From The Daily Beast

These new dark ages stem from a corrupt and decaying power system—a reflection of the state of affairs in the country itself.

From The Daily Beast

These not-so-very-dark ages fostered intellectual and cultural forces that themselves led to the Reformation.

From The Daily Beast

Back in the Dark Ages, Islam kept the flame of classical Greek science going.

From The Daily Beast

I know, it feels like we're riding an exciting wave away from the moral dark ages and into the bright, judgement free future.

From The Daily Beast

All this sounds like a chapter from the dark ages, of long, long ago, and we do not deem such things possible now.

From Project Gutenberg

This type became more and more rigid and austere as the gathering shadows of the Dark Ages mantled on the minds of men.

From Project Gutenberg

In the dark ages of the past, he had been a creature of derision, a thing to be bandied about in trade or gift.

From Project Gutenberg

Military coercion prolonged chattel slavery, and by so doing brought what is known as the dark ages upon the world.

From Project Gutenberg

Besides, they have to know about your ancestors back to the Dark Ages, don't they, or else they 'cancel' you?

From Project Gutenberg