precolonial

adjective

pre·​co·​lo·​nial ˌprē-kə-ˈlō-nē-əl How to pronounce precolonial (audio)
-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
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.
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

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of precolonial was in 1859

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Cite this Entry

“Precolonial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/precolonial. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.

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