prehistory
noun
pre·his·to·ry
ˌprē-ˈhi-st(ə-)rē 
1
: the study of prehistoric humankind
2
: a history of the antecedents of an event, situation, or thing
3
: the prehistoric period of human evolution
Examples of prehistory in a Sentence
We are learning about the prehistory of North America.
Recent Examples on the Web
Part of the problem in learning about this stretch of prehistory is how ancient layers of dirt were deposited over the course of history in eastern Africa.
—
Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2025
The explorer built the balsa wood raft to show that people could have made the trip in prehistory.
—Lorenzino Estrada, AZCentral.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Dinosaur teeth are no longer just relics of prehistory.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 5 Aug. 2025
Yet recently, the prehistory of the Austin area has moved center stage.
—Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for prehistory
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Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2025
The explorer built the balsa wood raft to show that people could have made the trip in prehistory.
—Lorenzino Estrada, AZCentral.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Dinosaur teeth are no longer just relics of prehistory.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 5 Aug. 2025
Yet recently, the prehistory of the Austin area has moved center stage.
—Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for prehistory
Cite this Entry
“Prehistory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prehistory. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
prehistory
noun
pre·his·to·ry
(ˈ)prē-ˈhis-t(ə-)rē
: the study of prehistoric man
prehistorian
noun
ˌprē-(h)is-ˈtōr-ē-ən
-ˈtȯr-
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