prehistoric
adjective
pre·his·tor·ic
ˌprē-(h)i-ˈstȯr-ik 
-ˈstär-
variants
or less commonly prehistorical
ˌprē-(h)i-ˈstȯr-i-kəl
-ˈstär-
1
: of, relating to, or existing in times antedating written history
2
: of or relating to a language in a period of its development from which contemporary records of its sounds and forms have not been preserved
3
: regarded as being outdated or outmoded
prehistoric attitudes
Examples of prehistoric in a Sentence
His attitudes about women are downright prehistoric.
prehistoric notions about mental illness that have no place in today's world
Recent Examples on the Web
The bear's remains provide a glimpse into the region's prehistoric fauna and climatic conditions.
—
David Nikel, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
These megafauna ate prehistoric avocados whole, spreading the pits—and, as a consequence, the fruits—across the region.
—Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Mar. 2025
The eventual decline of this titan tells a story of evolution, competition and shifting landscapes that reshaped prehistoric North America.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
In more recent years, however, prehistoric dinosaurs, speeding zombies, and even ancient Greek heroes have invaded the city, thanks to a plethora of movie makers choosing it as their primary filming location.
—AFAR Media, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prehistoric
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David Nikel, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
These megafauna ate prehistoric avocados whole, spreading the pits—and, as a consequence, the fruits—across the region.
—Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Mar. 2025
The eventual decline of this titan tells a story of evolution, competition and shifting landscapes that reshaped prehistoric North America.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
In more recent years, however, prehistoric dinosaurs, speeding zombies, and even ancient Greek heroes have invaded the city, thanks to a plethora of movie makers choosing it as their primary filming location.
—AFAR Media, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prehistoric
Cite this Entry
“Prehistoric.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prehistoric. Accessed 8 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
prehistoric
adjective
pre·his·tor·ic
ˌprē-(h)is-ˈtȯr-ik
-ˈtär-
: of, relating to, or existing in times before written history
prehistoric animals
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