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
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The home of the Mexico City Diablos Rojos rises from the ground like a pre-Columbian pyramid. Ryan Finley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026 Teotihuacán, an ancient pre-Columbian city, is one of Mexico's most popular tourist attractions, drawing millions of visitors each year. Ben Brachfeld, PEOPLE, 20 Apr. 2026 The museum’s incredible holdings—Rembrandts, Impressionist treasures, thousands of pre-Columbian wonders—will be on view again after years in storage or on loan. Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 6 Mar. 2026 There’s a pre-Columbian puppet-like figurine on display. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 24 Feb. 2026 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 2 May. 2026.

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