D
Dicread
HomeDictionaryMmedieval

medieval

When used to describe history, it is a neutral term referring to a specific time period. When used to describe modern things (like laws or methods), it is usually negative. In this context, it means something is "backward" or "cruel," as if it belongs in the dark ages.

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon, Chloe is procrastinating on a history paper in the campus library.
Chloe Smith

this prompt on medieval law is actually killing me.

Chloe Smith
Maya
Maya

stop slacking and just knock it out already.

💡
Chloe uses 'killing me' as a common hyperbole for something being difficult or stressful. Maya responds with the phrasal verb 'knock it out', meaning to complete a task quickly and efficiently, reflecting her no-nonsense personality.

Meanings

adjective

Relating to the Middle Ages, specifically the period of European history from the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD to the beginning of the Renaissance in the 14th or 15th century.

"The museum features a vast collection of medieval weaponry and armor."

adjective

Resembling something from the Middle Ages; archaic, primitive, or backward in outlook or method.

"The prisoners were subjected to medieval torture methods that horrified the modern observers."

Last Updated: May 22, 2026Report an Error