antique

1 of 3

adjective

an·​tique (ˌ)an-ˈtēk How to pronounce antique (audio)
 in verse often  ˈan-tik
1
: existing since or belonging to earlier times : ancient
antique trade routes to India
2
a
: being in the style or fashion of former times
antique manners and graces
b
: made in or representative of the work of an earlier period
antique mirrors
also : being an antique
3
: selling or exhibiting antiques
an antique show

antique

2 of 3

noun

an·​tique (ˌ)an-ˈtēk How to pronounce antique (audio)
1
: a relic or object of ancient times
2
a
: a work of art, piece of furniture, or decorative object made at an earlier period and according to various customs laws at least 100 years ago
b
: a manufactured product (such as an automobile) from an earlier period

antique

3 of 3

verb

an·​tique (ˌ)an-ˈtēk How to pronounce antique (audio)
antiqued; antiquing

transitive verb

: to finish or refinish in antique style : give an appearance of age to
antique a table

intransitive verb

: to shop around for antiques
antiquer noun
Choose the Right Synonym for antique

old, ancient, venerable, antique, antiquated, archaic, obsolete mean having come into existence or use in the more or less distant past.

old may apply to either actual or merely relative length of existence.

old houses
an old sweater of mine

ancient applies to occurrence, existence, or use in or survival from the distant past.

ancient accounts of dragons

venerable stresses the impressiveness and dignity of great age.

the family's venerable patriarch

antique applies to what has come down from a former or ancient time.

collected antique Chippendale furniture

antiquated implies being discredited or outmoded or otherwise inappropriate to the present time.

antiquated teaching methods

archaic implies having the character or characteristics of a much earlier time.

the play used archaic language to convey a sense of period

obsolete may apply to something regarded as no longer acceptable or useful even though it is still in existence.

a computer that makes earlier models obsolete

Examples of antique in a Sentence

Adjective studied shards from antique pots made by the Pueblos of the Southwest loved to collect antique sugar tongs Noun That car is an antique. their house is filled with rare antiques, including a collection of 19th-century African masks
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.
Adjective
The online marketplace is also a good resource for hunting for antique toys. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 3 Dec. 2024 Most visitors will be welcomed into the Grand Salon, complete with antique furnishings, chandeliers, and classical portraits, setting the stage for an immersive culinary journey. Tim Lai, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024
Noun
Saturdays are the best days to come by — the street is lined with stalls selling antiques, vintage clothing and unique treasures. Eva Ramirez, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024 Katie Hyatt is the shopkeeper and owner of the online antiques boutique Saint Signora. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 3 Dec. 2024
Verb
Metals can be antiqued, matte, satin, brushed, or polished, and incorporating a variety of sheens can make the mix even more interesting. Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 June 2024 Plan your Lakeside Chautauqua day of antiquing for Saturday, Aug. 24, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Lakeside Antique Show celebrates its 59th year of offering a scenic lake view, along with fabulous dealers and outstanding heirlooms. Brenda Yenke, cleveland.com, 22 Aug. 2019 See all Example Sentences for antique 

Word History

Etymology

Adjective, Noun, and Verb

Middle French, from Latin antiquus, from ante before — more at ante-

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1786, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of antique was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near antique

Cite this Entry

“Antique.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antique. Accessed 9 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

antique

1 of 2 noun
an·​tique an-ˈtēk How to pronounce antique (audio)
: an object of an earlier period
especially : a work of art, piece of furniture, or decorative object made at an earlier period

antique

2 of 2 adjective
1
: belonging to antiquity
2
: belonging to earlier periods
antique furniture
3
: belonging to or resembling a former style or fashion
silver of an antique design

More from Merriam-Webster on antique

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