ancient history

noun

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web This mesmerizingly lackadaisical, gloriously shambolic creation is a love letter to the boredom, part-time employment, and cheap rents that flooded '90s college towns (and now feels like ancient history). Debby Wolfinsohn, EW.com, 11 Apr. 2023 Beyond antiquities and monuments, Cairo has never invested much in its architectural legacy, but el-Habashi hopes that the resurrection of Bayt Yakan will draw interest to the city’s less ancient history. Hussein Omar Simon Watson, New York Times, 15 Mar. 2023 Whilst Russia’s claim to Crimea hinges entirely on its imperial heritage, the long-lasting connections between Ukraine and Crimea go back to ancient history. Time, 19 Jan. 2023 Younger listeners regard it as ancient history. D. T. Max, The New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2022 It’s been a healing plant for generations — since ancient history. Adam Tschorn, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2022 The days of Cal Ripken Jr. shrugging off aches and pains to keep his consecutive games streak alive are ancient history. Paul Sullivan, chicagotribune.com, 27 Feb. 2022 Consider the Domaine’s range of accommodations, including the 13th century-era Chateau which is home to selection of seven unique suites—each with a character all their own, but reflective of this property’s ancient history. Katie Kelly Bell, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2023 That’s all ancient history. Chris Richards, Washington Post, 3 Feb. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ancient history.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near ancient history

Cite this Entry

“Ancient history.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ancient%20history. Accessed 7 Jun. 2023.

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