pre-Christian

adjective

pre-Chris·​tian (ˌ)prē-ˈkris-chən How to pronounce pre-Christian (audio)
-ˈkrish-
: of, relating to, or being a time before the beginning of the Christian era

Examples of pre-Christian 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.
Well, there’s this ancient pre-Christian festival twice a year called the Eisteddfod. — Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 21 June 2026 For example, the tradition of Easter eggs stems from pre-Christian pagan traditions, per the outlet. — Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026 As an ancient symbol of new life, eggs were often associated with pagan festivals celebrating spring in pre-Christian societies. — Catherine Messier, The Providence Journal, 31 Mar. 2026 The tradition has ancient roots in pre-Christian European spring celebrations, with the Church later adopting it as a Christian practice. — Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 23 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pre-Christian

Word History

First Known Use

1828, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pre-Christian was in 1828

Rhymes for pre-Christian

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Browse Nearby Words

prechlorination
pre-Christian
pre-Christmas
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Cite this Entry

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

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