How to Pronounce "serfs"
word
ˈsɝfs
SURFS
sˈɜːfs
SURFS
Definition
Serfs were people in medieval Europe who were legally bound to work on a lord's land and could not leave without permission. They were part of the feudal system and had very few rights.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈsɝfs
British English
sˈɜːfs
Simplified Pronunciation
US
SURFS
UK
SURFS
Listen in Context
In medieval times, many peasants were serfs who worked on the lord's land.
The serfs could not leave the village without the lord's permission.
Most serfs lived very simple lives with little freedom.
Unlike slaves, serfs were tied to the land but weren't bought or sold individually.