adj
medieval
mehd-ee-EE-vuhl
adj
1
Relating to the Middle Ages, roughly 500 to 1500 CE.
"The castle is one of the best-preserved medieval buildings in the region."
"She teaches a course on medieval literature."
2
Informally, old-fashioned or harshly primitive.
"His views on discipline seemed downright medieval."
How to Use Medieval
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBelonging to the Middle Ages, or, casually, seeming outdated and harsh.
Common pairings
medieval castle
medieval times
medieval history
Word Forms
more medieval comparative, medievals plural, most medieval superlative
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The castle is one of the best-preserved _____ buildings in the region.
Etymology
From French médiéval, built from Latin medium ("middle") and aevum ("age").