cuneiform

1 of 2

adjective

cu·​ne·​i·​form kyü-ˈnē-ə-ˌfȯrm How to pronounce cuneiform (audio) ˈkyü-n(ē-)ə- How to pronounce cuneiform (audio)
1
: having the shape of a wedge
2
: composed of or written in wedge-shaped characters
cuneiform syllabary

cuneiform

2 of 2

noun

1
: a cuneiform part
specifically : a cuneiform bone or cartilage
2
: cuneiform writing

Illustration of cuneiform

Illustration of cuneiform
  • cuneiform 2

Examples of cuneiform 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.
Adjective
Egypt was probably next, then China, though there is much amiable tussling for post-cuneiform pole position. — Big Think, 18 Nov. 2025
Noun
Using a reed stylus, people pressed wedge‑shaped marks into clay tablets, creating cuneiform. — William Crane, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026 The cuneiform on the clay drum is itself a museum of Mesopotamia’s past—each character contains layer upon layer of history. — Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cuneiform

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

probably from French cunéiforme, from Middle French, from Latin cuneus + Middle French -iforme -iform

First Known Use

Adjective

1677, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1854, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cuneiform was in 1677

Rhymes for cuneiform

See All Rhymes for cuneiform

Browse Nearby Words

cuneatic
cuneiform
cuneiformist
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

cuneiform

1 of 2 adjective
cu·​ne·​i·​form kyu̇-ˈnē-ə-ˌfȯrm How to pronounce cuneiform (audio) ˈkyü-n(ē-)ə- How to pronounce cuneiform (audio)
1
: having the shape of a wedge
2
: made up of or written with marks or letters shaped like wedges

cuneiform

2 of 2 noun
: cuneiform writing

Medical Definition

cuneiform

1 of 2 adjective
cu·​ne·​i·​form kyu̇-ˈnē-ə-ˌfȯrm How to pronounce cuneiform (audio) ˈkyü-n(ē-)ə- How to pronounce cuneiform (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or being a cuneiform bone or cartilage
2
of a human skull : wedge-shaped as viewed from above

cuneiform

2 of 2 noun
: a cuneiform bone or cartilage

More from Merriam-Webster on cuneiform

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cuneiform

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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