prehistory
noun
pre·his·to·ry
ˌprē-ˈhi-st(ə-)rē 
1
: the study of prehistoric humankind
2
: a history of the antecedents of an event, situation, or thing
3
: the prehistoric period of human evolution
Examples of prehistory in a Sentence
We are learning about the prehistory of North America.
Recent Examples on the Web
The site revealed a complex agricultural society dating back millennia, fundamentally rewriting Southeast Asian prehistory, the scholars say.
—
Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 24 Jan. 2026
The alternative is a return to some kind of techno-prehistory.
—Ryan Craig, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
The Archaeological Museum of Patras showcases goods from the surrounding region dating back to prehistory.
—Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 15 Jan. 2026
Its elliptical tale of human evolution from prehistory to the space-age future is still profound.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 31 Dec. 2025
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Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 24 Jan. 2026
The alternative is a return to some kind of techno-prehistory.
—Ryan Craig, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
The Archaeological Museum of Patras showcases goods from the surrounding region dating back to prehistory.
—Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 15 Jan. 2026
Its elliptical tale of human evolution from prehistory to the space-age future is still profound.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prehistory
Cite this Entry
“Prehistory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prehistory. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
prehistory
noun
pre·his·to·ry
(ˈ)prē-ˈhis-t(ə-)rē
: the study of prehistoric man
prehistorian
noun
ˌprē-(h)is-ˈtōr-ē-ən,
-ˈtȯr-
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