pre-Christian
adjective
pre-Chris·tian
(ˌ)prē-ˈkris-chən 
-ˈkrish-
: of, relating to, or being a time before the beginning of the Christian era
Examples of pre-Christian in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The pre-Christian tombs offer new insight into the religious beliefs of ancient people in the region.
—
Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2025
Bakers have been shaping cookies to resemble animals since at least the 6th or 7th century, when they were used for a pre-Christian Germanic/Nordic midwinter festival known as Julfest.
—Gretchen McKay, Twin Cities, 12 Sep. 2025
Reconciliation today Searching for a path forward, contemporary Sámi artist and Lutheran catechist Lars Levi Sunna began to produce church art that incorporated and celebrated pre-Christian Sámi symbols – some of the very traditions that had been demonized by clergy of the past.
—Thomas A. Dubois, The Conversation, 27 June 2025
The festival marks the arrival of spring and is rooted in a mix of pre-Christian and Christian traditions.
—Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025
In pre-Christian times, the egg was used in spring rituals to celebrate the fertility of the earth.
—Irene Coltrinari, Vogue, 25 Apr. 2025
The egg was a symbol of fertility and rebirth in pre-Christian Europe that was later adapted to the Easter holiday.
—Patrick Davis, NPR, 20 Apr. 2025
Although initially hesitant due to catholic associations, Lynch discovered Brigid’s pre-Christian roots transcended religion.
—Gemma Allen, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025
Even before that, Candlemas had roots stretching back to pre-Christian Celtic seasonal celebrations.
—Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY, 2 Feb. 2025
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Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2025
Bakers have been shaping cookies to resemble animals since at least the 6th or 7th century, when they were used for a pre-Christian Germanic/Nordic midwinter festival known as Julfest.
—Gretchen McKay, Twin Cities, 12 Sep. 2025
Reconciliation today Searching for a path forward, contemporary Sámi artist and Lutheran catechist Lars Levi Sunna began to produce church art that incorporated and celebrated pre-Christian Sámi symbols – some of the very traditions that had been demonized by clergy of the past.
—Thomas A. Dubois, The Conversation, 27 June 2025
The festival marks the arrival of spring and is rooted in a mix of pre-Christian and Christian traditions.
—Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025
In pre-Christian times, the egg was used in spring rituals to celebrate the fertility of the earth.
—Irene Coltrinari, Vogue, 25 Apr. 2025
The egg was a symbol of fertility and rebirth in pre-Christian Europe that was later adapted to the Easter holiday.
—Patrick Davis, NPR, 20 Apr. 2025
Although initially hesitant due to catholic associations, Lynch discovered Brigid’s pre-Christian roots transcended religion.
—Gemma Allen, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025
Even before that, Candlemas had roots stretching back to pre-Christian Celtic seasonal celebrations.
—Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY, 2 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pre-Christian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pre-Christian. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.
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