serf

Definition of serfnext
as in slave
a person in the past who belonged to a low social class and who lived and worked on land owned by another person Medieval serfs who tended land owned by a lord.

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for serf
Noun
  • In slaveholding societies divided between Black and white, Jews were perceived as white and enjoyed the benefits of whiteness – including participation in the slave economy.
    — Ashley Walters, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2026
  • The idea of animals as slaves of their instincts or mindless automatons evaporates.
    — J. B. MacKinnon, Harpers Magazine, 29 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • This is the kind of show where an opulent tea party is dramatized not just by many different plates of fancy pastries, fancy wreaths and lots of furniture, but by having all that stuff carted in by a dozen or so butlers, maids and other servants.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Loyal Maids in Extravagant Mansions While Solana is a disorderly servant, Clarita reflects the trope of the loyal maid of the higher class, the societal expectation in the region.
    — Damaly Gonzalez, ARTnews.com, 30 Sep. 2026
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Serf.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/serf. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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