pre-Columbian
adjective
pre-Co·lum·bi·an
ˌprē-kə-ˈləm-bē-ən 
: 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
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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Pre-Columbian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pre-Columbian. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.
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