Definition of MEDIEVAL

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With its roots medi-, meaning "middle", and ev-, meaning "age", medieval literally means "of the Middle Ages". In this case, middle means "between the Roman empire and the Renaissance"—that is, after the fall of the great Roman state and before the "rebirth" of culture that we call the Renaissance. This same period used to be called the "Dark Ages", since it was believed that in these years civilization all but vanished. And indeed, for most Europeans in these centuries, it was a time of poverty, famine, plague, and superstition, rather than the age of magic, dazzling swordplay, towering castles, and knights in splendid armor displayed in today's graphic novels and video games.

Examples of medieval in a Sentence

Adjective

They're using a computer system that seems positively medieval by today's standards. get rid of that medieval kerosene stove—it stinks and it's dangerous

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

Kilkenny,one of the highlights of this region and rooted in medieval heritage, was founded in the 16th century by Saint Canice, one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland. — Nicola Fumo, Town & Country, "What to Pack for an Irish Getaway," 4 Mar. 2019 This pedestrian-friendly medieval town features vibrantly colored buildings in yellows, pinks, and greens that are just begging to be photographed. — Megan Barber, Curbed, "The 25 most colorful cities in the world," 19 Feb. 2019 Continue on the path past medieval ruins to the lookout of the same name (Mirador Las Puertas del Cielo) for a stunning seaside vista over Ses Margalides island. — Elizabeth Wellington, Vogue, "For Authentic Ibiza, Visit in the Winter," 15 Feb. 2019 Made using multiple colors of clay in a process that dates back to medieval times, the old-school trend is having a moment right now. — Megan Beauchamp, House Beautiful, "Alert: Encaustic Tile is Making a Major Comeback," 12 Feb. 2019 The duo didn’t actually become a couple for another two years, and married four years later in a medieval-themed wedding ceremony on the beach in Malibu, followed by shots of tequila. — Samantha Drake, Country Living, "Christopher Meloni and His Wife Sherman Share the Secret to Their 20+ Year Marriage," 12 Jan. 2019 There’s a collection of armor and medieval harnesses. — Mark Holgate, Vogue, "Glenn Martens Takes Y/Project Center Stage at Pitti Immagine in Florence," 9 Jan. 2019 Though people across the globe had been decorating temples and domestic interiors with evergreen flora for centuries, the holiday tradition in its modern form originated with medieval Germans. — Chloe Foussianes, Town & Country, "How Queen Victoria and Prince Albert Made Christmas Trees a Holiday Staple," 18 Dec. 2018 The 65-year-old Italian designer with a penchant for quoting Socrates and Saint Benedict has been painstakingly restoring a medieval village called Solomeo, all the while transforming a quiet rural community into a thriving manufacturing center. — Alison S. Cohn, Harper's BAZAAR, "Brunello Cucinelli Celebrates 40 Years," 25 Sep. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Although most manuscripts date to the late medieval and early modern periods, the practice of copying by hand endured in Yemen well into the 20th century. — Christian C. Sahner, WSJ, "Yemen’s Threatened Cultural Heritage," 25 Dec. 2018 Sitting at the foothills of the mystical Mount Taygetus, not only is this medieval walled town a UNESCO World Heritage Monument immersed in fascinating history, but the surrounding natural environment is rugged, raw, and inspiringly real. — Alex Postman, Condé Nast Traveler, "28 Places Our Travel Specialists Say You Should Go in 2019," 17 Dec. 2018 Candid, gossipy and occasionally imperiled by demons, Margery Kempe was a 15th-century mystic and the author of a terrific medieval tell-all. — Alexis Soloski, New York Times, "10 Plays and Musicals to Go to in N.Y.C. This Weekend," 5 July 2018 Along the way, cyclists pedal past medieval walled villages like Montreuil and the 18th-century Chateau de Long. — David Farley, WSJ, "The Best Guides to Cycling Major Cities—Even Los Angeles," 10 May 2018 Starting May 13 and for at least the rest of the month, the medieval Bled Castle will host an exposition on bees and beekeeping in the area. — Jeanine Barone, New York Times, "Fall in Love With Bees on an ‘Apitourism’ Trip to Slovenia," 9 May 2018 The invite promises a weekend of bloodsports, but what Greer and the other invitees don't know is that the Medievals just might be hunting, shooting and fishing them over the next three days. — Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, "Fox 2000, Chernin Entertainment Pick Up Buzzy YA Novel 'S.T.A.G.S.' (Exclusive)," 8 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'medieval.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.