Minoan

1 of 2

adjective

Mi·​no·​an mə-ˈnō-ən 

mī-

: of or relating to a Bronze Age culture of Crete that flourished about 3000 b.c.–1100 b.c.

Minoan

2 of 2

noun

: a native or inhabitant of ancient Crete

Examples of Minoan in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Tonight marks the end of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, something that has been part of the discourse since at least the 1700s, and perhaps as early as Minoan Crete. —Bethy Squires, Vulture, 9 Dec. 2024

All three of these newcomers will make great springboards for exploring Crete’s world-class cultural riches, the Palace of Knossos and the Minoan Palace at Phaistos foremost among them. —Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 20 Nov. 2024

With its central circular building surrounded by eight stone rings intersected by walls, the site resembled the style of tomb constructed by the Minoan civilization around 2000 to 1700 B.C.E. But to anyone familiar with Greek mythology, the spot evoked something else, too: the Minotaur’s labyrinth. —Shoshi Parks, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Sep. 2024

Or, visit ancient Minoan ruins like the Palace of Knossos or walk through Chania’s Old Town to see Turkish and Venetian architecture. —Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 9 July 2024

This included tablets from the Minoan city of Knossos on Crete, which showed soldiers wearing suits of armor. —Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 1 July 2024

Archaeologists dated the structure to between 2000 B.C. and 1700 B.C. and linked it to the Minoan civilization. —Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 12 June 2024

Note: the mysterious rock carvings at the end of the beach are a modern creation and definitely not ancient Minoan relics. —Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 29 May 2024

Get an even deeper education on the island's history with a visit to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, which houses the world's most comprehensive collection of artifacts from the Minoan civilization. —Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 23 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin minous of Minos, from Greek minōios, from Minōs Minos

First Known Use

Adjective

1830, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1902, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for Minoan

• samoan
• bryozoan
• metazoan
• protozoan
• coan
• kohen
• rohan
• rowan
• rowen