ancient history

noun

Synonyms of ancient historynext
1
: the history of ancient times
2
: something from the past dismissed as no longer important or relevant to the present
regarding their former dispute as ancient history

Examples of ancient history in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Even the Sochi disaster is ancient history to these guys. Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2026 The administration wants the Epstein connection framed as ancient history—something the president has long moved past and that the country should move on from too. Tara Palmeri, Vanity Fair, 12 Feb. 2026 The investigation was scientifically solid, said Nicholas Purcell, a professor emeritus of ancient history at the University of Oxford, England, who was not involved in the study. Jack Guy, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026 That time frame feels like ancient history now, at least in political terms. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ancient history

Word History

First Known Use

1566, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ancient history was in 1566

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Cite this Entry

“Ancient history.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ancient%20history. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.

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