feud

1 of 2

noun (1)

ˈfyüd How to pronounce feud (audio)
Synonyms of feud
: 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)

: fee sense 1a

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
But, at the heart of it is what appears to be a very ugly feud between two public servants. — Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 7 Aug. 2026 The family feud in the Beckham household shows no signs of abating. — Alessandra De Tommasi, Vanity Fair, 7 Aug. 2026 Wong haunts the stories of the Floridian smugglers, connected to many of the feuds and undercover operations. — Rory Doherty, Time, 6 Aug. 2026 Mary’s role in the show became especially important in the season 2 finale, which seems to be setting up a massive feud between her and Georgie over her new love interest, who happens to be Georgie’s business rival. — Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026 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

Phrases Containing feud

Rhymes for feud

See All Rhymes for feud

Browse Nearby Words

Feuchtwanger
feud
feuda
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Cite this Entry

“Feud.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/feud. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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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

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for feud

Nglish: Translation of feud for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about feud

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