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.
Cacao was used by the pre-Columbian populations of the Maya and Aztecs, who venerated it as a sacred food. Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 19 Nov. 2024 Zúñiga introduced her to pre-Columbian ceramic techniques and woodcarving. Shameekia Shantel Johnson, ARTnews.com, 4 Nov. 2024 Amaral’s unclassifiable work combines Modernist principles with pre-Columbian art and the vernacular traditions of her country. Lee Sharrock, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 The merchants of the historic calle at L.A.’s center celebrate with rituals incorporating pre-Columbian, Aztec, Mayan and Catholic traditions surrounding death. Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near pre-Columbian

Cite this Entry

“Pre-Columbian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pre-Columbian. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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