pre-Christian
adjective
pre-Chris·tian
(ˌ)prē-ˈkris-chən 
-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
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
These spaces held pre-Christian religious significance: Shrines to the gods were nestled among the trees, which housed ancestral spirits; animals were totems.
—Noo Saro-Wiwa, The Dial, 24 Mar. 2026
In pre-Christian Ireland, sucking breasts was a way of showing subjugation to a king and the cutting out of Old Croghan Man’s nipples is, historians believe, an indication that he had been thus stripped of his claims to kingship.
—Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 17 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
In pagan and other pre-Christian traditions, legends arose of mythical beings who emerged during the long nights around the solstice to dole out more extreme punishments to those who weren't on their best behavior.
—Carlie Procell, USA Today, 20 Dec. 2025
Though Christmas officially celebrates the birth of Jesus, it was clearly associated with pre-Christian celebrations that emphasized the winter solstice and the return of light and life.
—Bobbi Sutherland, The Conversation, 19 Dec. 2025
The pre-Christian tombs offer new insight into the religious beliefs of ancient people in the region.
—Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2025
Bakers have been shaping cookies to resemble animals since at least the 6th or 7th century, when they were used for a pre-Christian Germanic/Nordic midwinter festival known as Julfest.
—Gretchen McKay, Twin Cities, 12 Sep. 2025
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Catherine Messier, The Providence Journal, 31 Mar. 2026
These spaces held pre-Christian religious significance: Shrines to the gods were nestled among the trees, which housed ancestral spirits; animals were totems.
—Noo Saro-Wiwa, The Dial, 24 Mar. 2026
In pre-Christian Ireland, sucking breasts was a way of showing subjugation to a king and the cutting out of Old Croghan Man’s nipples is, historians believe, an indication that he had been thus stripped of his claims to kingship.
—Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 17 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
In pagan and other pre-Christian traditions, legends arose of mythical beings who emerged during the long nights around the solstice to dole out more extreme punishments to those who weren't on their best behavior.
—Carlie Procell, USA Today, 20 Dec. 2025
Though Christmas officially celebrates the birth of Jesus, it was clearly associated with pre-Christian celebrations that emphasized the winter solstice and the return of light and life.
—Bobbi Sutherland, The Conversation, 19 Dec. 2025
The pre-Christian tombs offer new insight into the religious beliefs of ancient people in the region.
—Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2025
Bakers have been shaping cookies to resemble animals since at least the 6th or 7th century, when they were used for a pre-Christian Germanic/Nordic midwinter festival known as Julfest.
—Gretchen McKay, Twin Cities, 12 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pre-Christian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pre-Christian. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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