feud

1 of 2

noun (1)

: a mutual enmity or quarrel that is often prolonged or inveterate (see inveterate sense 2)
especially : blood feud
Because of a family feud, they did not see each other for a decade.
feud intransitive verb

feud

2 of 2

noun (2)

Examples of feud 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.
Noun
The brief feud came on the heels of the tragic news that Master P's daughter Tytyana had died of an accidental fentanyl overdose in May 2022. Janine Rubenstein, People.com, 4 July 2025 But the former chair of the Jefferson County Republican Party and longtime member of the Republican Party of Kentucky's executive committee can't force the outspoken representative from Northern Kentucky, who's caught in an escalating feud with President Donald Trump, out of office. Lucas Aulbach, The Courier-Journal, 3 July 2025 After putting an end to their yearslong feud, Liam and brother Noel Gallagher have gotten the band back together for a global tour, kicking off Friday with a show at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 3 July 2025 Tesla shares are down 13% since the end of May, just before Musk and Trump’s public feud began. Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for feud

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

alteration of Middle English feide, from Anglo-French *faide, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German fēhida hostility, feud, Old English fāh hostile — more at foe

Noun (2)

Medieval Latin feodum, feudum, alteration (probably influenced by Medieval Latin alodum, allodium land not subject to rent or service) of feo, feus, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German fihu cattle — more at fee

First Known Use

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1614, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of feud was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Feud.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/feud. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

feud

noun
ˈfyüd
: a long lasting quarrel
especially : a lasting conflict between families or clans usually having acts of violence and revenge
feud verb

More from Merriam-Webster on feud

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!