an·tique
(ˌ)an-ˈtēk 
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
an·tique
(ˌ)an-ˈtēk
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
an·tique
(ˌ)an-ˈtēk
antiqued; antiquing
: to finish or refinish in antique style : give an appearance of age to
antique a table
: to shop around for antiques
Synonyms
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
Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 18 Nov. 2023
The antique look adds a touch of elegance to any room, making this gift both functional and beautiful.
—Molly Menning, Rolling Stone, 14 Nov. 2023
Distinguished by their ‘Anglo-Asian’ aesthetic, the hotel’s guest rooms pair antique furnishings with modern touches like Music switch controls in grand space featuring walk-in wardrobes and mosaic-tiled bathrooms.
—Lauren Jade Hill, Forbes, 13 Nov. 2023
The couple subsequently undertook an extensive restoration in conjunction with Tate Builders, which included adding dormers, and replicating antique windows and doors.
—Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 9 Nov. 2023
It was built out of antique Brussels lace — along with silk, taffeta and tulle — and embellished with pearls.
—Erin Hill, Peoplemag, 8 Nov. 2023
An antique shop in San Juan’s Plaza de Americas shopping mall still sells costumes and memorabilia from his estate.
—Dan Allen, NBC News, 30 Oct. 2023
There are two color options for the base of the candles: pewter and antique bronze.
—Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 24 Oct. 2023
In fact, even the compound’s chicken coop was made from an antique cabinet.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 19 Oct. 2023
Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Nov. 2023
Find modern antiques, like these gorgeous glass goblets that are only $20 for a set of four.
—Lauren Taylor, Southern Living, 17 Nov. 2023
Collectors imposed their own systems and hierarchies on the art, antiques, plants and animals within their cabinets in an attempt to create an encyclopedic framework of the world’s knowledge.
—Anne Wallentine, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Nov. 2023
There’s a cozy salon for afternoon tea and aperitifs, as well as bedrooms decorated with floral wallpaper, sumptuous fabrics, and antiques.
—Lindsay Cohn, Travel + Leisure, 14 Nov. 2023
Interest in the White House interiors and furnishings ebbed and flowed during subsequent administrations, with attempts to document china patterns and antiques and to form committees to consider donations.
—Jura Koncius, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2023
His canal-side home has been transformed into a museum showcasing his vast collection of art and antiques.
—Meagan Drillinger, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2023
Drawing inspiration from the warm and cozy corners of our grandparents’ homes, this style combines the elegance of antique finds with stunning contemporary pieces.
—Samantha Booth, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2023
Born the daughter of a well-to-do Shanghai antiques merchant in 1933, Ms. Wu received an elite education that bore no resemblance to Teacher Bai’s bare-bones cave classes.
—Ann Scott Tyson, The Christian Science Monitor, 18 Oct. 2023
Brenda Yenke, cleveland.com, 22 Aug. 2019
Meanwhile, the designers incorporated another element of American history with the wheat-motif dining chairs, rare models Rush and Klaus found while antiquing in the southeast.
—Hadley Keller, House Beautiful, 7 Aug. 2019
Matte, polished, antiqued and brushed give home decorators many options to provide interest and depth.
—Washington Post, 6 Aug. 2019
For instance, instead of a basic mirror and hook, add a fanciful detail like these antiqued mirrored hooks for jewelry and your room key.
—Ap McClatchy, The Mercury News, 29 July 2019
There are now hundreds of affinity cruises appealing to any number of interests, from antiquing to stargazing to photography to mystery novels.
—Peter Jon Lindberg, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 July 2019
The new look is pale and cool, with floor tiles in faded green pattern, antiqued green chairs and pretty layered white hanging lamp fixtures.
—Polly Campbell, Cincinnati.com, 20 June 2018
On trend right now are satin or brushed nickels and warmer antiqued brass.
—Diane Cowen, Houston Chronicle, 6 Apr. 2018
See More
Adjective
Some of the props also displayed include Mollie’s bible and rosary beads, Mollie’s pipe and an antique blue ball mason jar.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 18 Nov. 2023
The antique look adds a touch of elegance to any room, making this gift both functional and beautiful.
—Molly Menning, Rolling Stone, 14 Nov. 2023
Distinguished by their ‘Anglo-Asian’ aesthetic, the hotel’s guest rooms pair antique furnishings with modern touches like Music switch controls in grand space featuring walk-in wardrobes and mosaic-tiled bathrooms.
—Lauren Jade Hill, Forbes, 13 Nov. 2023
The couple subsequently undertook an extensive restoration in conjunction with Tate Builders, which included adding dormers, and replicating antique windows and doors.
—Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 9 Nov. 2023
It was built out of antique Brussels lace — along with silk, taffeta and tulle — and embellished with pearls.
—Erin Hill, Peoplemag, 8 Nov. 2023
An antique shop in San Juan’s Plaza de Americas shopping mall still sells costumes and memorabilia from his estate.
—Dan Allen, NBC News, 30 Oct. 2023
There are two color options for the base of the candles: pewter and antique bronze.
—Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 24 Oct. 2023
In fact, even the compound’s chicken coop was made from an antique cabinet.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 19 Oct. 2023
Noun
Alpine Garden and Gifts Find plants and pots, antiques, yard art and handmade gifts from artisan vendors at Alpine Garden and Gifts.
—Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Nov. 2023
Find modern antiques, like these gorgeous glass goblets that are only $20 for a set of four.
—Lauren Taylor, Southern Living, 17 Nov. 2023
Collectors imposed their own systems and hierarchies on the art, antiques, plants and animals within their cabinets in an attempt to create an encyclopedic framework of the world’s knowledge.
—Anne Wallentine, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Nov. 2023
There’s a cozy salon for afternoon tea and aperitifs, as well as bedrooms decorated with floral wallpaper, sumptuous fabrics, and antiques.
—Lindsay Cohn, Travel + Leisure, 14 Nov. 2023
Interest in the White House interiors and furnishings ebbed and flowed during subsequent administrations, with attempts to document china patterns and antiques and to form committees to consider donations.
—Jura Koncius, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2023
His canal-side home has been transformed into a museum showcasing his vast collection of art and antiques.
—Meagan Drillinger, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2023
Drawing inspiration from the warm and cozy corners of our grandparents’ homes, this style combines the elegance of antique finds with stunning contemporary pieces.
—Samantha Booth, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2023
Born the daughter of a well-to-do Shanghai antiques merchant in 1933, Ms. Wu received an elite education that bore no resemblance to Teacher Bai’s bare-bones cave classes.
—Ann Scott Tyson, The Christian Science Monitor, 18 Oct. 2023
Verb
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
Meanwhile, the designers incorporated another element of American history with the wheat-motif dining chairs, rare models Rush and Klaus found while antiquing in the southeast.
—Hadley Keller, House Beautiful, 7 Aug. 2019
Matte, polished, antiqued and brushed give home decorators many options to provide interest and depth.
—Washington Post, 6 Aug. 2019
For instance, instead of a basic mirror and hook, add a fanciful detail like these antiqued mirrored hooks for jewelry and your room key.
—Ap McClatchy, The Mercury News, 29 July 2019
There are now hundreds of affinity cruises appealing to any number of interests, from antiquing to stargazing to photography to mystery novels.
—Peter Jon Lindberg, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 July 2019
The new look is pale and cool, with floor tiles in faded green pattern, antiqued green chairs and pretty layered white hanging lamp fixtures.
—Polly Campbell, Cincinnati.com, 20 June 2018
On trend right now are satin or brushed nickels and warmer antiqued brass.
—Diane Cowen, Houston Chronicle, 6 Apr. 2018
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'antique.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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
Phrases Containing antique
Articles Related to antique
Dictionary Entries Near antique
Cite this Entry
“Antique.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antique. Accessed 1 Dec. 2023.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
antique
1 of 2 noun
an·tique
an-ˈtēk
: 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 adjective1
: 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
Nglish: Translation of antique for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of antique for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about antique
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