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
Other highlights include Raphael's Rooms, former papal chambers featuring paintings by the Renaissance master, and the Profane Museum, which displays pre-Christian art and artifacts.
—
Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 30 Apr. 2026
There are flashes of overwhelming tenderness and wind-stopping moments, and the songs are generally rich and full of character, populated by her usual cast of gay witches, Southern Baptist girls, medicine women, saints, and pre-Christian gods.
—Emma Madden, Pitchfork, 30 Apr. 2026
For example, the tradition of Easter eggs stems from pre-Christian pagan traditions, per the outlet.
—Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026
As an ancient symbol of new life, eggs were often associated with pagan festivals celebrating spring in pre-Christian societies.
—Catherine Messier, The Providence Journal, 31 Mar. 2026
The tradition has ancient roots in pre-Christian European spring celebrations, with the Church later adopting it as a Christian practice.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 23 Jan. 2026
Though Christmas officially celebrates the birth of Jesus, it was clearly associated with pre-Christian celebrations that emphasized the winter solstice and the return of light and life.
—Bobbi Sutherland, The Conversation, 19 Dec. 2025
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
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Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 30 Apr. 2026
There are flashes of overwhelming tenderness and wind-stopping moments, and the songs are generally rich and full of character, populated by her usual cast of gay witches, Southern Baptist girls, medicine women, saints, and pre-Christian gods.
—Emma Madden, Pitchfork, 30 Apr. 2026
For example, the tradition of Easter eggs stems from pre-Christian pagan traditions, per the outlet.
—Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026
As an ancient symbol of new life, eggs were often associated with pagan festivals celebrating spring in pre-Christian societies.
—Catherine Messier, The Providence Journal, 31 Mar. 2026
The tradition has ancient roots in pre-Christian European spring celebrations, with the Church later adopting it as a Christian practice.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 23 Jan. 2026
Though Christmas officially celebrates the birth of Jesus, it was clearly associated with pre-Christian celebrations that emphasized the winter solstice and the return of light and life.
—Bobbi Sutherland, The Conversation, 19 Dec. 2025
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
Cite this Entry
“Pre-Christian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pre-Christian. Accessed 12 May. 2026.
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