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

Set in Mexico between the 1870s and the 1920s, the magic realism epic revolves around the history of a remote town called Comala, the life of which has been destroyed by vengeful local feudal lord Pedro Páramo. —Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 8 Apr. 2025

The strategic move ensured that no major publishers, known for their typically aggressive actions to maintain feudal control, would ever seriously attempt to shut it down. —Sheon Han, Wired News, 27 Mar. 2025

Once an important feudal stronghold deep in the Japanese Alps, Matsumoto is known today for its towering castle; arguably the most stunning fortification in the entire country with its black-onyx trim and turquoise moat filled with curious koi. —Brandon Presser, Vogue, 6 Mar. 2025

Scotland abolished its archaic system of feudal land ownership in 2000. —Robert Ormerod, New York Times, 26 Feb. 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