Middle Ages

American  

plural noun

1. the time in European history between classical antiquity and the Italian Renaissance (from about 500 a.d. to about 1350): sometimes restricted to the later part of this period (after 1100) and sometimes extended to 1450 or 1500.

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Middle Ages British  

noun

1. (broadly) the period from the end of classical antiquity (or the deposition of the last W Roman emperor in 476 _ad ) to the Italian Renaissance (or the fall of Constantinople in 1453)

2. (narrowly) the period from about 1000 _ad to the 15th century Compare Dark Ages

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Middle Ages Cultural  

1. The period of European history between ancient and modern times. The Middle Ages began with the Fall of Rome in the fifth century and ended with the Renaissance. The Middle Ages are associated with many beliefs and practices that now seem out of date, such as chivalry, feudalism, the Inquisition, the belief that the sun revolves around the Earth, and a host of popular superstitions. The early Middle Ages are even sometimes called the Dark Ages. The Middle Ages, however, especially in later years, also saw many notable human achievements. Among these were the building of modern nations, such as England and France; increasingly sophisticated and expanded trade; a great advancement of technique in philosophy and theology; some remarkable works of literature (see The Canterbury Tales, The Divine Comedy); and the building of magnificent churches (see Chartres and Notre Dame de Paris).

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Etymology

Origin of Middle Ages

1715–25; plural of Middle Age, translation of New Latin Medium Aevum

Compare meaning

How does middle-ages compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• medieval vs. Middle Ages
• Dark Ages vs. Middle Ages

Example Sentences

As he tells his story to Harker, we get flashbacks to the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, while Waltz’s priest, the most entertaining part of the film, disappears completely.

From Los Angeles Times

Around the corner along the Via Orefici, which dates to the Middle Ages, many of the neighborhood’s trendy boutiques have hung neon signs with the Games logo, proclaiming themselves proud sponsors of the Olympics.

From Los Angeles Times

It continued in both domestic and competitive forms with the help of the wheelbarrow, which arrived in the Middle Ages, presumably along with feudalism.

From The Wall Street Journal

"You could go back to the Middle Ages - when people are dominated, they use absurdity to speak the truth a little bit and still have plausible deniability."

From BBC

The system has its origins in the Middle Ages, when rich landowners granted tenants the right to work an area of land.

From BBC

Related Words

• midlife