antiquity

noun an·tiq·ui·ty \ an-ˈti-kwə-tē \

Updated on: 19 May 2018

Definition of antiquity

plural antiquities

1 : ancient times; especially : those before the Middle Ages

a town that dates from antiquity

2 : the quality of being ancient

a castle of great antiquity

3 antiquities plural

a : relics or monuments (such as coins, statues, or buildings) of ancient times

a museum of Greek antiquities

b : matters relating to the life or culture of ancient times

the study of Germanic antiquities

4 : the people of ancient times

records left by antiquity

See antiquity defined for English-language learners

See antiquity defined for kids

Examples of antiquity in a Sentence

The town dates from antiquity.
A palace stood here in antiquity.
a museum of Roman antiquities

Recent Examples of antiquity from the Web

The trope of virgins being tossed into a volcanic crater to appease gods is a Hollywood myth, but there is evidence of human sacrifice on volcanoes in antiquity.

— umair irfan, Vox, "Volcanoes are awe-inspiring. Here are 7 things to know about them.," 11 May 2018
The triangular edifices are just the beginning of our antiquities adventure.

— norma meyer, sandiegouniontribune.com, "12 days to explore the ancient wonders of Egypt," 10 May 2018
Prometheus, impaled forever on a rock for tipping humanity off about fire and freedom, has stood since antiquity for the unstoppable triumph of reason over religious or cultural orthodoxy and raw power.

— max maller, Chicago Reader, "Prometheus Bound remains inert," 10 May 2018
And, of course the antiquities, like Palmyra in Syria, are unique and once destroyed cannot be brought back.

— audrey gorden, RedEye Chicago, "Emily Robbins turns her experience living in Syria into a stunning first novel on love, loss and language," 9 June 2017
The resort’s inspiring Spanish décor is breathtaking, and guests can find more than 170 European and Moroccan antiquities throughout the property.

— emily lockwood, azcentral, "Omni Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Montelucia," 23 Apr. 2018
Around the corner awaits the vast, imposing British Museum, one of the world’s greatest collections of antiquities (including the Rosetta Stone).

— brian melton, star-telegram, "As London gears up for royal wedding, a look at three villages that helped define it | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 20 Apr. 2018
The artform, like so many relics of antiquity, is now in a museum.

— margaret andersen, WIRED, "The Selfie as We Know It Is Dead," 20 Apr. 2018
Questers seeks to stimulate an appreciation of antiques and collectibles, and to encourage the preservation and restoration of antiquities and historical sites.

— linda mcintosh, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Daughters of American Revolution recognize mentor," 9 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'antiquity.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of antiquity

see ¹antique

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 13th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

antiquity Synonyms

Other Archaeology Terms

Attic, Byzantine, Paleolithic, cairn, core, flint, horizon, neolithic, shard, stratum

ANTIQUITY Defined for English Language Learners

antiquity

noun

Definition of antiquity for English Language Learners

: ancient times
: very great age
antiquities : objects from ancient times

ANTIQUITY Defined for Kids

antiquity

noun an·tiq·ui·ty \ an-ˈti-kwə-tē \

Definition of antiquity for Students

1 : ancient times

The town dates from antiquity.

2 : very great age

a castle of great antiquity

Learn More about antiquity

See words that rhyme with antiquity Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for antiquity Spanish Central: Translation of antiquity Nglish: Translation of antiquity for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of antiquity for Arabic speakers

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antiquity

Definition of antiquity

Examples of antiquity in a Sentence

Recent Examples of antiquity from the Web

Origin and Etymology of antiquity

antiquity Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Near Antonyms

Related Words

Other Archaeology Terms

ANTIQUITY Defined for English Language Learners

antiquity

Definition of antiquity for English Language Learners

ANTIQUITY Defined for Kids

antiquity

Definition of antiquity for Students

Learn More about antiquity

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