Dark Ages


noun

the period in European history from about a.d. 476 to about 1000.
the whole of the Middle Ages, from about a.d. 476 to the Renaissance.
(often lowercase) a period or stage marked by repressiveness, a lack of enlightenment or advanced knowledge, etc.

Origin of Dark Ages

First recorded in 1720–30

British Dictionary definitions for dark ages

Dark Ages

pl n the Dark Ages European history

the period from about the late 5th century ad to about 1000 ad, once considered an unenlightened period
(occasionally) the whole medieval period

Cultural definitions for dark ages

Dark Ages

A term sometimes applied to the early Middle Ages, the first few centuries after the Fall of Rome. The term suggests prevailing ignorance and barbarism, but there were forces for culture and enlightenment throughout the period.