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

Synonyms of antiquity

• ancientness
• antiquation
• age
• hoariness

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

Since antiquity, people have believed that planting a mulberry tree in front of one’s house is unlucky. — Jonathan Flint, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026

Given the then-widespread assumption that the Greek and Roman past was superior to the present in all aspects of life (except perhaps religion), Renaissance scholars and creators strove to imitate classical antiquity. — Mario Carpo, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026

Preliminary explorations indicate these burials were looted in antiquity; passages linking them are thought to have been made by ancient robbers moving between the tombs. — Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 31 Aug. 2026

Tampa Museum of Art boasts one of the largest collections of Greek and Roman antiquities in the Southeast, not to mention a stunning collection of modern and contemporary art. — Susan B. Barnes, Southern Living, 25 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see antique entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for antiquity

• iniquity
• obliquity
• ubiquity

Kids 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