antiquarian

1 of 2

noun

an·​ti·​quar·​i·​an ˌan-tə-ˈkwer-ē-ən How to pronounce antiquarian (audio)
Synonyms of antiquariannext
: one who collects or studies antiquities

antiquarian

2 of 2

adjective

1
: of or relating to antiquarians or antiquities
2
: dealing in old or rare books
an antiquarian bookstore
antiquarianism
ˌan-tə-ˈkwer-ē-ə-ˌni-zəm How to pronounce antiquarian (audio)
noun

Examples of antiquarian 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.
Noun
The antiquarian admittedly didn’t have such an easy road to the opening in 2005. — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 6 Apr. 2026 On Wall Street, as for an antiquarian bookseller, intermediaries tend to make the most money when the job is most difficult. — Gary Sernovitz, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
Adjective
With the help of his in-house team, each piece has been sourced from antique markets, prestigious auction houses, and antiquarian dealers around the world. — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 3 Oct. 2025 On Wall Street, as for an antiquarian bookseller, intermediaries tend to make the most money when the job is most difficult. — Gary Sernovitz, New Yorker, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for antiquarian

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1595, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1610, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of antiquarian was in 1595

Rhymes for antiquarian

See All Rhymes for antiquarian

Browse Nearby Words

antiq
antiquarian
antiquarianism
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Cite this Entry

“Antiquarian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antiquarian. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

antiquarian

1 of 2 noun
an·​ti·​quar·​i·​an ˌant-ə-ˈkwer-ē-ən How to pronounce antiquarian (audio)
: antiquary

antiquarian

2 of 2 adjective
: of or relating to antiquaries or antiquities

More from Merriam-Webster on antiquarian

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for antiquarian

Nglish: Translation of antiquarian for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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