antiquarian

1 of 2

noun

an·​ti·​quar·​i·​an ˌan-tə-ˈkwer-ē-ən 

: one who collects or studies antiquities

antiquarian

2 of 2

adjective

1

: of or relating to antiquarians or antiquities

2

: dealing in old or rare books

antiquarianism

ˌan-tə-ˈkwer-ē-ə-ˌni-zəm 

noun

Examples of antiquarian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

At last year’s antiquarian fair, a single volume by Mr. Jones, a cookbook of recipes from fellow prisoners, sold for $20,000 to the University of California at Berkeley’s Bancroft Library, according to Mr. Kinmont, who handled the sale. —Corey Kilgannon, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025

In some quarters, preservation is thought of as an antiquarian undertaking, a sentimental allegiance to structures that have ceased to function and so have relinquished their right to exist. —Justin Davidson, Curbed, 12 Dec. 2024

Adjective

One impressive example of the platform’s power is the antiquarian bookstore Willbrand in Cologne, Germany. —Leila Herrmann, Vogue, 9 Apr. 2025

The show has contained stories – one crime plays out over two episodes –and there are lighthearted elements and something comforting about the cluttered antiquarian bookshop, situated in a picture-perfect historic London lane. —Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 7 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1595, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1610, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for antiquarian

• libertarian
• millenarian
• nonsectarian
• proletarian
• sanitarian
• trinitarian
• unitarian
• vegetarian
• veterinarian
• agrarian
• aquarian
• barbarian

Kids Definition

antiquarian

1 of 2 noun

an·​ti·​quar·​i·​an ˌant-ə-ˈkwer-ē-ən 

: antiquary

antiquarian

2 of 2 adjective

: of or relating to antiquaries or antiquities