pre-Columbian

adjective

pre-Co·​lum·​bi·​an ˌprē-kə-ˈləm-bē-ən How to pronounce pre-Columbian (audio)
: preceding or belonging to the time before the arrival of Columbus in America

Examples of pre-Columbian 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.
The troupe’s performances feature music, dance and costumes spanning pre-Columbian civilizations to today. Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2025 In the Americas, carnivals present elements rooted in pre-Columbian or African traditions. Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025 Compared to neighboring countries, El Salvador’s pre-Columbian history is poorly understood, according to a statement from Antiquity. Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Mar. 2025 What does seem clear from the finds is that pre-Columbian San Isidro exchanged customs and traditions with groups elsewhere in Central America. Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pre-Columbian

Word History

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pre-Columbian was in 1854

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Cite this Entry

“Pre-Columbian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pre-Columbian. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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