Minoan

1 of 2

adjective

Mi·​no·​an mə-ˈnō-ən 

mī-

: of or relating to a Bronze Age culture of Crete that flourished about 3000 b.c.–1100 b.c.

Minoan

2 of 2

noun

: a native or inhabitant of ancient Crete

Examples of Minoan in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Minoan frescoes and artifacts depict bull-leaping women, the snake goddess (associated with power, fertility, and the cycle of life), and the midwife goddess Eileithyia. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Oct. 2026

Researchers believe the ship could have been transporting goods to the ancient city of Troy or to the Minoan people in Crete, per the BBC. — Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2026

Of its two main cities, Heraklion puts you near Knossos, the Bronze Age Minoan palace, while Chania gives easier access to the western beaches and White Mountains. — Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 2026

Minoan was third, 4-1/4 lengths behind the top two finishers. — ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin minous of Minos, from Greek minōios, from Minōs Minos

First Known Use

Adjective

1830, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1902, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for Minoan

• coan
• kohen
• rohan
• rowan
• rowen
• bryozoan
• metazoan
• protozoan
• samoan