antiquity
noun
an·tiq·ui·ty
an-ˈti-kwə-tē 
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
Examples of antiquity in a Sentence
The town dates from antiquity.
A palace stood here in antiquity.
a museum of Roman antiquities
Recent Examples on the Web
With the new headquarters, Chan explained, Bonhams hope to widen their base of collectors through their larger exhibition space and programming around how to start or improve a collection across art, jewelry, antiquities, wine and other collectibles.
—
Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 27 Jan. 2026
There are dealers in coins and stamps and antiquities, and, above all, books.
—Hari Kunzru, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Thai antiquities cases apparently haven’t been high on its to-do list.
—Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 24 Jan. 2026
Even the name Greenland taps into antiquity thanks to Erik the Red, who was banished here in 982, found a sheltered, green fjord to call home, and named the place Greenland, an embellishment to lure other Norsemen west.
—Tim Neville, Outside, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for antiquity
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Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 27 Jan. 2026
There are dealers in coins and stamps and antiquities, and, above all, books.
—Hari Kunzru, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Thai antiquities cases apparently haven’t been high on its to-do list.
—Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 24 Jan. 2026
Even the name Greenland taps into antiquity thanks to Erik the Red, who was banished here in 982, found a sheltered, green fjord to call home, and named the place Greenland, an embellishment to lure other Norsemen west.
—Tim Neville, Outside, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for antiquity
Cite this Entry
“Antiquity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antiquity. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
antiquity
noun
an·tiq·ui·ty
an-ˈtik-wət-ē
plural antiquities
1
: ancient times
especially
: those before the Middle Ages
2
: very great age
3
plural
: objects or monuments from ancient times
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