immemorial

adjective

im·​me·​mo·​ri·​al ˌi-mə-ˈmȯr-ē-əl How to pronounce immemorial (audio)
Synonyms of immemorialnext
: extending or existing since beyond the reach of memory, record, or tradition
the immemorial roots of human spirituality
see also time immemorial
immemorially
ˌi-mə-ˈmȯr-ē-ə-lē How to pronounce immemorial (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of immemorial

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Examples of immemorial in a Sentence

the immemorial roots of human spirituality stories passed down from time immemorial
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.
Kevin’s defense of his home was a defense of the memory of his family, and of their immemorial traditions menaced by the ruthless — and rootless — home invaders. — Gregory M. Collins, National Review, 27 Dec. 2023 Trevor Sullivan is transfixed by the immemorial existence his companions evoke. — Victoria Kim, New York Times, 2 July 2025 This is when the body remembers conjugating humanity as an immemorial practice. — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 24 Oct. 2024 An immemorial theme of French literature, la montée à Paris—the ascent to Paris—doesn’t come off as an overly recommendable move. — Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for immemorial

Word History

Etymology

probably from French immémorial, from Middle French, from Medieval Latin immemorialis lacking memory, from Latin in- + memorialis memorial

First Known Use

1602, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of immemorial was in 1602

Phrases Containing immemorial

Rhymes for immemorial

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Browse Nearby Words

immemorable
immemorial
immense
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Cite this Entry

“Immemorial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/immemorial. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

immemorial

adjective
im·​me·​mo·​ri·​al ˌim-ə-ˈmōr-ē-əl How to pronounce immemorial (audio)
-ˈmȯr-
: going back beyond the reach of memory or record : very ancient
from time immemorial
immemorially
-ē-ə-lē How to pronounce immemorial (audio)
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on immemorial

Nglish: Translation of immemorial for Spanish Speakers

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