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
In pagan and other pre-Christian traditions, legends arose of mythical beings who emerged during the long nights around the solstice to dole out more extreme punishments to those who weren't on their best behavior.
—
Carlie Procell, USA Today, 20 Dec. 2025
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
Clegg says costumed processionals went through towns, inspired by the pre-Christian Saturnalia celebrations.
—Deena Prichep, NPR, 8 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
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
Although initially hesitant due to catholic associations, Lynch discovered Brigid’s pre-Christian roots transcended religion.
—Gemma Allen, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025
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Carlie Procell, USA Today, 20 Dec. 2025
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
Clegg says costumed processionals went through towns, inspired by the pre-Christian Saturnalia celebrations.
—Deena Prichep, NPR, 8 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
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
Although initially hesitant due to catholic associations, Lynch discovered Brigid’s pre-Christian roots transcended religion.
—Gemma Allen, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pre-Christian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pre-Christian. Accessed 24 Dec. 2025.
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