feudal

adjective

feu·​dal ˈfyü-dᵊl 

1

: of, relating to, or suggestive of feudalism

feudal law

a feudal lord

2

: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a medieval fee (see fee entry 1 sense 1)

feudal rights and services

feudally

ˈfyü-dᵊl-ē 

adverb

Examples of feudal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Many were fleeing the desperate rural poverty of tenant farms run under almost feudal conditions. —The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 June 2025

Fly a Kite in Imperial Huế The city of Huế was once the cradle of imperial power, and was where Vietnam’s last feudal dynasty ruled. —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 18 June 2025

The anthology film follows three human warriors in history – a Viking warrior woman, a ninja in feudal Japan and a World War II ace – being stalked as prey by alien hunters with high-tech weaponry and a mean streak. —Brian Truitt, USA Today, 14 June 2025

After being updated by Patel, the script combines medieval knights with feudal India. —Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 10 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

see feud entry 2

First Known Use

1602, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing feudal

• pre-feudal

Rhymes for feudal

• boodle
• doodle
• noodle
• poodle

Kids Definition

feudal

adjective

feu·​dal ˈfyüd-ᵊl 

: of or relating to feudalism

feudally adverb