antebellum

adjective

an·​te·​bel·​lum ˌan-ti-ˈbe-ləm How to pronounce antebellum (audio)
: existing before a war
especially : existing before the American Civil War
antebellum houses
the antebellum South

Examples of antebellum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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In the antebellum South, the slaves who bent over rows of cotton shouted their songs responsively, because that was the only way to launch the comfort of human contact across an open field. Justin Davidson, Curbed, 16 Oct. 2024 In the antebellum United States, Northerners, and especially northern abolitionists, drew a contrast between (northern) nationalism and (southern) sectionalism. Jill Lepore, Foreign Affairs, 5 Feb. 2019 The hometown of the Georgia Bulldogs transforms into a vibrant tapestry of colors during the fall, creating the perfect backdrop for exploring the town’s antebellum architecture. Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 20 Sep. 2024 Back in the antebellum United States, supporters of slavery fiercely resisted federal projects. James Morone, Foreign Affairs, 13 Feb. 2018 See all Example Sentences for antebellum 

Word History

Etymology

Latin ante bellum before the war

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of antebellum was in 1826

Podcast

Dictionary Entries Near antebellum

Cite this Entry

“Antebellum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antebellum. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

antebellum

adjective
an·​te·​bel·​lum ˌant-i-ˈbel-əm How to pronounce antebellum (audio)
: existing before a war
especially : existing before the American Civil War

More from Merriam-Webster on antebellum

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