Dictionary
1menial
noun me·nial \ˈmē-nē-əl, -nyəl\
: a person (such as a servant) who does boring or unpleasant work for little money : someone who does menial work
Full Definition of MENIAL
: a person doing menial work; specifically : a domestic servant or retainer
See menial defined for English-language learners
ADVERTISEMENT
First Known Use of MENIAL
14th century
Related to MENIAL
2menial
adjective
—used to describe boring or unpleasant work that does not require special skill and usually does not pay much money
Full Definition of MENIAL
1
: of or relating to servants : lowly
2
a : appropriate to a servant : humble, servile <answered in menial tones> b : lacking interest or dignity <a menial task>
— me·nial·ly adverb
See menial defined for English-language learners
See menial defined for kids
Origin of MENIAL
Middle English meynial, from Anglo-French meignal, from mesnee, mayné household, retinue, from Vulgar Latin *mansionata, from Latin mansion-, mansio dwelling — more at mansion
First Known Use: 15th century
MENIAL Defined for Kids
menial
adjective me·nial \ˈmē-nē-əl, -nyəl\
Definition of MENIAL for Kids
: of or relating to boring or unpleasant work that does not require special skill <menial tasks>
Learn More About MENIAL
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: Ménière's diseasePrevious Word in the Dictionary: menhirAll Words Near: menial
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up menial? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).