medieval

[mee-dee-ee-vuhl, med-ee-, mid-ee-, mid-ee-vuhl] / ˌmi diˈi vəl, ˌmɛd i-, ˌmɪd i-, mɪdˈi vəl /

ADJECTIVE

having to do with the middle ages; old

Synonyms

STRONGEST

Gothic antique archaic feudal primitive

WEAK

antediluvian antiquated old old-fashioned unenlightened

Antonyms

STRONGEST

current modern new present

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A museum has been given a grant to fund a project about a Bradford-born astronomer who was influenced by the work of medieval Islamic scientists.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

To ordinary churchgoers, the God of medieval imagination appeared distant and inscrutable.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

Following his answer Monday, Mary Rambaran-Olm, an academic specializing in medieval literature, said "can someone introduce Zohran Mamdani to the writings by his dad on British imperialism?"

From Barron's • Mar. 17, 2026

We first meet Sara Bareilles’ character while she’s in the middle of getting one, latched in somewhat medieval fashion to a mechanical vice that towers high over her head.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026

Slight adjustments are made in tuning and intervals to make them more pleasant to the ear; and the medieval ear had different preferences than our modern ears.

From "Understanding Basic Music Theory" by Catherine Schmidt-Jones and Russel Jones