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Middle English
noun
: the English in use from the 12th to 15th centuries see Indo-European Languages Table
Examples of Middle English in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
As with many English words, its history reflects the language's development through various stages and influences, including Old English, Middle English, and the interaction with other languages and cultures over the centuries.
—Erik Kain, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2023
The Chaucer findings are of great interest to my wife, who is a Middle English scholar, and to Cannon, a family friend, because the quality of Chaucer’s personal character matters a lot to anybody who teaches his work.
—Timothy Noah, The New Republic, 18 Oct. 2022
Tolkien believed students should focus on Old and Middle English texts, while Lewis thought English Literature post-Geoffrey Chaucer was preferable.
—Emma Fraser, Town & Country, 4 Sep. 2022
The Middle English lyrics tell of Christ’s birth: A nywe werke is come on honde.
—Deborah Netburn, Los Angeles Times, 20 Dec. 2021
Written, directed and produced by filmmaker David Lowery, the movie is based on a 14th-century Middle English poem titled Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.
—David M. Perry, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Aug. 2021
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Word History
First Known Use
1830, in the meaning defined above
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Cite this Entry
“Middle English.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Middle%20English. Accessed 13 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
Middle English
noun
: the English language of the 12th to 15th centuries
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