prehistoric

adjective

pre·​his·​tor·​ic ˌprē-(h)i-ˈstȯr-ik How to pronounce prehistoric (audio)
-ˈstär-
variants or less commonly prehistorical
1
: of, relating to, or existing in times antedating written history
2
: of or relating to a language in a period of its development from which contemporary records of its sounds and forms have not been preserved
3
: regarded as being outdated or outmoded
prehistoric attitudes
prehistorically adverb

Examples of prehistoric in a Sentence

His attitudes about women are downright prehistoric. prehistoric notions about mental illness that have no place in today's world
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.
The existence of any prehistoric apex predators in the islands of the Caribbean used to be doubted. Ashley Belanger – May 16, ArsTechnica, 16 May 2025 The original show gave the prehistoric reptiles the nature documentary treatment, offering glimpses of a world that was ruled by dinosaurs millions of years ago through the magic of CGI and animatronics. Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025 And clues to how some species survived climatic changes in the prehistoric past could prove vital as the planet grows rapidly warmer and drier. Michael Ray Taylor, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 May 2025 The quest to see this prehistoric art involves an extraordinary adventure: a trek of about 75 miles across the craggy plateau where there is nothing but nature. Angela Dansby, CNN Money, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for prehistoric

Word History

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of prehistoric was in 1832

Cite this Entry

“Prehistoric.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prehistoric. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

prehistoric

adjective
pre·​his·​tor·​ic ˌprē-(h)is-ˈtȯr-ik How to pronounce prehistoric (audio)
-ˈtär-
: of, relating to, or existing in times before written history
prehistoric animals
prehistorically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on prehistoric

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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