feudalism
noun
feu·dal·ism
ˈfyü-də-ˌli-zəm 
1
: the system of political organization prevailing in Europe from the 9th to about the 15th centuries having as its basis the relation of lord to vassal (see vassal sense 1) with all land held in fee (see fee sense 1) and as chief characteristics homage, the service of tenants under arms and in court, wardship (see wardship sense 1), and forfeiture (see forfeiture sense 1)
2
: any of various political or social systems similar to medieval feudalism
Examples of feudalism in a Sentence
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Kollwitz’ life also coincided with the final days of aristocratic feudalism and serfdom in Germany and the nation’s economic transition to Industrialism.
—
Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Later, the development of feudalism was dependent on land and service and the conveyance of land was complicated.
—Roger Valdez, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
As feudalism faded and trade, money, and land practices became more transactional and freer from political obligations, and the term mortgage became more common.
—Roger Valdez, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
Prior to the publication of Thompson’s book, Barrett writes, many thinkers influenced by Marx viewed the working class as the product of a particular set of labor relations, emerging almost mechanically in the shift from feudalism to capitalism.
—Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 2 Feb. 2025
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Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Later, the development of feudalism was dependent on land and service and the conveyance of land was complicated.
—Roger Valdez, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
As feudalism faded and trade, money, and land practices became more transactional and freer from political obligations, and the term mortgage became more common.
—Roger Valdez, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
Prior to the publication of Thompson’s book, Barrett writes, many thinkers influenced by Marx viewed the working class as the product of a particular set of labor relations, emerging almost mechanically in the shift from feudalism to capitalism.
—Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 2 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for feudalism
Cite this Entry
“Feudalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/feudalism. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
feudalism
noun
feu·dal·ism
ˈfyüd-ᵊl-ˌiz-əm
: a system of political organization (as in Europe during the Middle Ages) in which a vassal served a lord and received protection and land in return
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