antiquity
noun
an·tiq·ui·ty
an-ˈti-kwə-tē 
plural antiquities
1
: ancient times
especially
: those before the Middle Ages
a town that dates from antiquity
2
: the quality of being ancient
a castle of great antiquity
3
antiquities plural
a
: relics or monuments (such as coins, statues, or buildings) of ancient times
a museum of Greek antiquities
b
: matters relating to the life or culture of ancient times
the study of Germanic antiquities
4
: the people of ancient times
records left by antiquity
Examples of antiquity in a Sentence
The town dates from antiquity.
A palace stood here in antiquity.
a museum of Roman antiquities
Recent Examples on the Web
The fair’s identity rests on its unusual balance between art from the 20th and 21st centuries, mixing antiquities, design, modern art, and contemporary work under the same roof.
—
Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 15 May 2026
Gone is the polished ideal of classical antiquity.
—Andrew S. Jacobson, Baltimore Sun, 13 May 2026
This importance may derive from its antiquity, its role as a major pilgrimage site, its association with a saint or relic, or its historical or spiritual value.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 May 2026
Despite chang’s antiquity, Tibetans have their share of teetotalers and prohibitionists.
—Geoff Childs, The Conversation, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for antiquity
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Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 15 May 2026
Gone is the polished ideal of classical antiquity.
—Andrew S. Jacobson, Baltimore Sun, 13 May 2026
This importance may derive from its antiquity, its role as a major pilgrimage site, its association with a saint or relic, or its historical or spiritual value.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 May 2026
Despite chang’s antiquity, Tibetans have their share of teetotalers and prohibitionists.
—Geoff Childs, The Conversation, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for antiquity
Cite this Entry
“Antiquity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antiquity. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
antiquity
noun
an·tiq·ui·ty
an-ˈtik-wət-ē
plural antiquities
1
: ancient times
especially
: those before the Middle Ages
2
: very great age
3
plural
: objects or monuments from ancient times
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