What does medieval mean?
Medieval is an adjective meaning connected with the Middle Ages, the long period of European history between the end of the Roman Empire and the Renaissance, conventionally extending from the 5th to the late 15th century. It commonly describes castles, manuscripts, governments, warfare, art, languages, and historical periods. The word can also be used figuratively to characterize a practice, object, or attitude as outdated, primitive, or belonging to an earlier age, often in a humorous or mildly disapproving way. In careful historical writing, medieval may be qualified by region, culture, or century because experiences and institutions varied widely across Europe and beyond. The term remains useful not only for describing the past but also for drawing attention to the persistence of old institutions, technologies, or styles in modern society.
Relating to the Middle Ages, especially the period of European history between the 5th and late 15th centuries.
"The town is known for its medieval churches and narrow streets."
Historical usage may be qualified by region or century when the reference is not to Europe generally.
Informally, so old-fashioned or outdated as to seem to belong to a much earlier period.
"The office still uses a fax machine, which feels medieval."
This figurative use is informal and often humorous or mildly disapproving.
The word literally means “of the middle age,” a name derived from the Latin aetas media, or “middle age.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does medieval come from?
Medieval comes through Old French from the Latin mediaevalis, a form of medievalis meaning “of the middle age.” The underlying expression uses the Latin words for “middle” and “age” and entered English during the Renaissance to distinguish the period between antiquity and the present. The same Latin root produced related English words such as medium, median, and intermediate.
Related word forms
How medieval is actually used
In historical contexts, medieval generally refers to the Middle Ages of Europe, often dated from the 5th to the late 15th century. In informal figurative use, it can mean conspicuously old-fashioned or primitive, usually with mild disapproval or humor.
Easily confused with medieval
Mediaeval is a variant spelling of medieval, especially common in British English; both forms have the same meaning and pronunciation.