feud

1 of 2

noun (1)

: a mutual enmity or quarrel that is often prolonged or inveterate (see inveterate sense 2)
especially : blood feud
Because of a family feud, they did not see each other for a decade.
feud intransitive verb

feud

2 of 2

noun (2)

Examples of feud in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Such occasional breakfasts among Abbott, Patrick and Phelan were discontinued last session as the speaker-lieutenant governor feud spilled into public view. John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025 With Bayley, Valkyria and Lynch all pursuing the same title in a never-ending vortex of feuds and matches, the best finish at WWE SummerSlam is for Bayley to cost Valkyria the match and turn heel in the process. Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025 This development sets up a natural comeback feud for Gable when he is eventually cleared to return. Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 July 2025 Trump's visit to Fed is latest twist in feud over interest rates that has long history The president handed him a sheet of paper. Joey Garrison, USA Today, 25 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for feud

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

alteration of Middle English feide, from Anglo-French *faide, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German fēhida hostility, feud, Old English fāh hostile — more at foe

Noun (2)

Medieval Latin feodum, feudum, alteration (probably influenced by Medieval Latin alodum, allodium land not subject to rent or service) of feo, feus, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German fihu cattle — more at fee

First Known Use

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1614, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of feud was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Feud.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/feud. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

feud

noun
ˈfyüd
: a long lasting quarrel
especially : a lasting conflict between families or clans usually having acts of violence and revenge
feud verb

More from Merriam-Webster on feud

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!