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

Scientists have known for a while that large-bodied octopuses existed in prehistory. —Kate Wong, Scientific American, 23 Apr. 2026

The Ford Mustang—a four-seat, two-door, V8 convertible—ferried fairgoers from prehistory to space on the Magic Skyway, a 12-minute, half-mile ride designed by none other than Walt Disney. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Apr. 2026

Spielberg’s vision shook up the pantheon of prehistory, elevating the once-obscure predator Velociraptor to box-office stardom and winning it a place on an NBA expansion team’s jerseys. —Scottie Andrew, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 2026

Helm is the curious, mercurial, impish, affectionate and dangerous air current of the English Pennines, swooping over the Eden District from prehistory until now. —The Know, Denver Post, 29 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for prehistory

• allegory
• amatory
• auditory
• category
• clerestory
• crematory
• desultory
• dilatory
• dormitory
• excretory
• extempore
• feudatory

Kids Definition

prehistory

noun

pre·​his·​to·​ry (ˈ)prē-ˈhis-t(ə-)rē 

: the study of prehistoric man

prehistorian

ˌprē-(h)is-ˈtōr-ē-ən, 

-ˈtȯr-

noun