antiquity

noun

an·​tiq·​ui·​ty an-ˈti-kwə-tē How to pronounce antiquity (audio)
plural antiquities
1
: ancient times
especially : those before the Middle Ages
a town that dates from antiquity
2
: the quality of being ancient
a castle of great antiquity
3
antiquities plural
a
: relics or monuments (such as coins, statues, or buildings) of ancient times
a museum of Greek antiquities
b
: matters relating to the life or culture of ancient times
the study of Germanic antiquities
4
: the people of ancient times
records left by antiquity

Examples of antiquity in a Sentence

The town dates from antiquity. A palace stood here in antiquity. a museum of Roman antiquities
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.
Zahi Hawass, a former Egyptian minister of tourism and antiquities who wasn’t involved with the dig, told Live Science’s Owen Jarus that the statue may date to a period after the queen’s death. Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Jan. 2025 There are 130 galleries from across Europe that come together at Brussels Expo exhibiting rare artworks from antiquity to the twenty-first century including Old Master paintings, classical African art, design future, carpets, fine jewellery and more. Kissa Castaneda, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025 The Getty Villa Museum, which is home to a large collection of artifacts and antiquities from Rome and Greece, is located directly off the Pacific Coast Highway in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles, according to the museum's website. Thao Nguyen, USA TODAY, 8 Jan. 2025 Trees and vegetation caught fire Tuesday, but the staff and collection of antiquities were safe. Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for antiquity 

Word History

Etymology

see antique entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of antiquity was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near antiquity

Cite this Entry

“Antiquity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antiquity. Accessed 5 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

antiquity

noun
an·​tiq·​ui·​ty an-ˈtik-wət-ē How to pronounce antiquity (audio)
plural antiquities
1
: ancient times
especially : those before the Middle Ages
2
: very great age
3
plural : objects or monuments from ancient times

More from Merriam-Webster on antiquity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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