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
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.
There’s a pre-Columbian puppet-like figurine on display. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 24 Feb. 2026 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 building is certainly overstuffed—pre-Columbian artifacts, Chinese breezeway tiles, Indian chairs—but never stuffy, and often playful. — Susan Tallman, The Atlantic, 13 June 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

Browse Nearby Words

precolonial
pre-Columbian
precombustion
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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