precolonial
adjective
pre·co·lo·nial
ˌprē-kə-ˈlō-nē-əl 
-nyəl
variants
or pre-colonial
: existing or occurring before an area undergoes colonization
precolonial America
precolonial cultures
Examples of precolonial in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Its unique menu is a journey through time, starting in the precolonial era with pulque, made from agave sap and thought to be one of the oldest ferments in North America.
—
Nathanael Gassett, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Sep. 2025
Such an approach, the authors contended, could reduce the odds of destructive wildfires and would also involve removing dry, non-native grasses and restoring precolonial water infrastructure.
—Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 22 Aug. 2025
For instance, the region’s huge tropical forests, coastlines, maritime boundaries, precolonial histories and diverse religions provide a richness that inspire and influence its contemporary artists.
—Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
More than 150 different precolonial Native American tribes acknowledged third genders in their communities, according to the LGBTQ+ advocacy group Human Rights Campaign.
—Katherine Weaver, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for precolonial
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Nathanael Gassett, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Sep. 2025
Such an approach, the authors contended, could reduce the odds of destructive wildfires and would also involve removing dry, non-native grasses and restoring precolonial water infrastructure.
—Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 22 Aug. 2025
For instance, the region’s huge tropical forests, coastlines, maritime boundaries, precolonial histories and diverse religions provide a richness that inspire and influence its contemporary artists.
—Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
More than 150 different precolonial Native American tribes acknowledged third genders in their communities, according to the LGBTQ+ advocacy group Human Rights Campaign.
—Katherine Weaver, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for precolonial
Cite this Entry
“Precolonial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/precolonial. Accessed 25 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share