Minoan

1 of 2

adjective

Mi·​no·​an mə-ˈnō-ən 

mī-

: of or relating to a Bronze Age culture of Crete that flourished about 3000 b.c.–1100 b.c.

Minoan

2 of 2

noun

: a native or inhabitant of ancient Crete

Examples of Minoan in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

One of the societies most affected was the Minoan civilization, based on Crete. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 15 June 2026

The most catastrophic outburst of its volcano, in roughly 1600 BCE, contributed to the end of the seafaring Minoan civilization. — Quanta Magazine, 27 Mar. 2026

Minoan culture was a big influence on things that are happening in the sequel. — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 21 Mar. 2026

Gain a deeper understanding of the island's history with a visit to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, which houses the world's most comprehensive collection of artifacts from the Minoan civilization. — Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 2 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin minous of Minos, from Greek minōios, from Minōs Minos

First Known Use

Adjective

1830, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1902, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for Minoan

• coan
• kohen
• rohan
• rowan
• rowen
• bryozoan
• metazoan
• protozoan
• samoan