antiquarian

1 of 2

noun

an·​ti·​quar·​i·​an ˌan-tə-ˈkwer-ē-ən How to pronounce antiquarian (audio)
: one who collects or studies antiquities

antiquarian

2 of 2

adjective

1
: of or relating to antiquarians or antiquities
2
: dealing in old or rare books
antiquarianism noun

Examples of antiquarian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
The few copies of her books that remained reached fantastic prices on the open market (a hardback first edition of Twice Lost costs $300 today), and so people who had copies, usually antiquarians or mystery enthusiasts, described the stories to those who couldn’t find or afford them. Joanna Biggs, Harper's Magazine, 2 Feb. 2024 In some quarters, preservation is thought of as an antiquarian undertaking, a sentimental allegiance to structures that have ceased to function and so have relinquished their right to exist. Justin Davidson, Curbed, 12 Dec. 2024
Adjective
The show has contained stories – one crime plays out over two episodes –and there are lighthearted elements and something comforting about the cluttered antiquarian bookshop, situated in a picture-perfect historic London lane. Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 7 Mar. 2025 The prestige of Thoth and the antiquarian look of the graphics have been bolstered by the authentic age of artwork created by Pierre-François Basan and Pamela Colman Smith. Jonathon Keats, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for antiquarian

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1595, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1610, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of antiquarian was in 1595

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Cite this Entry

“Antiquarian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antiquarian. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

antiquarian

1 of 2 noun
an·​ti·​quar·​i·​an ˌant-ə-ˈkwer-ē-ən How to pronounce antiquarian (audio)

antiquarian

2 of 2 adjective
: of or relating to antiquaries or antiquities

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