propylaeum

noun

pro·​py·​lae·​um ˌprä-pə-ˈlē-əm How to pronounce propylaeum (audio)
ˌprō-
plural propylaea ˌprä-pə-ˈlē-ə How to pronounce propylaeum (audio)
ˌprō-
: a vestibule or entrance of architectural importance before a building or enclosure
often used in plural

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek propylaion, from pro- before + pylē gate — more at pro-

First Known Use

1637, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of propylaeum was in 1637

Dictionary Entries Near propylaeum

Cite this Entry

“Propylaeum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/propylaeum. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on propylaeum

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!