feudal

adjective

feu·​dal ˈfyü-dᵊl How to pronounce feudal (audio)
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 adverb

Examples of feudal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for feudal

Word History

Etymology

see feud entry 2

First Known Use

1602, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of feudal was in 1602

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Feudal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/feudal. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

feudal

adjective
feu·​dal ˈfyüd-ᵊl How to pronounce feudal (audio)
: of or relating to feudalism
feudally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on feudal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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