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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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
After a seemingly quotidian afternoon in Paris, the antiquarian bookseller Tara Selter wakes up in her hotel room the next morning only to find the same day happening again. The New Yorker, 25 Nov. 2024 Buy Now 10 of 10 The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón In 1945 Barcelona, Daniel, the son of an antiquarian book dealer, comes across a strange book called The Shadow of the Wind. Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 25 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near antiquarian

Cite this Entry

“Antiquarian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antiquarian. Accessed 20 Jan. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on antiquarian

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