archaeology

noun

ar·​chae·​ol·​o·​gy ˌär-kē-ˈä-lə-jē How to pronounce archaeology (audio)
variants or archeology
1
: the scientific study of material remains (such as tools, pottery, jewelry, stone walls, and monuments) of past human life and activities
2
: remains of the culture of a people : antiquities
the archaeology of the Incas
archaeological adjective
archaeologically adverb
archaeologist noun

Examples of archaeology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The Western Australian Museum has been unable to identify the vessel so far, but Anderson says these kind of models can be hugely beneficial for carrying out maritime archaeology research, as well as educating people about what’s below the waves. IEEE Spectrum, 11 Mar. 2024 Here are three of our most eye-catching archaeology stories from the past week. Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 8 Mar. 2024 Once England’s fourth permanent settlement in North America, St. Mary’s is now Historic St. Mary’s City, an archaeology and history museum devoted to the colonial capital. Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Mar. 2024 But archaeology has revealed that generations of sustainable chinampa management could be overturned almost overnight. Chelsea Fisher, The Conversation, 26 Feb. 2024 The Herculaneum scrolls represent one of archaeology’s most notorious problems—some were dug up in the 18th century, but many of them are basically ash and would fall to pieces if unrolled. David Meyer, Fortune, 6 Feb. 2024 The bell will be sent to the command’s underwater archaeology lab sometime later this year for restoration. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Feb. 2024 Their work drew on archaeology records, DNA evidence and Indigenous knowledge to shed new light on the history of horses and humans in North America. Philip Distefano, The Denver Post, 16 Feb. 2024 Click here to subscribe to read more stories like this one. archaeology culture behavior & society human origins 1 free article left Want More? Elizabeth Heath, Discover Magazine, 17 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'archaeology.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French archéologie, from Late Latin archaeologia antiquarian lore, from Greek archaiologia, from archaio- + -logia -logy

First Known Use

1782, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of archaeology was in 1782

Dictionary Entries Near archaeology

Cite this Entry

“Archaeology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/archaeology. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

archaeology

noun
ar·​chae·​ol·​o·​gy
variants or archeology
: the science that deals with past human life as shown by fossil relics and the monuments and tools left by ancient peoples
archaeological adjective
archaeologist noun

More from Merriam-Webster on archaeology

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