pre-Columbian
adjective
pre-Co·lum·bi·an
ˌprē-kə-ˈləm-bē-ən 
: 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
The deity associated with wind, rain and creation is a recurring motif in early Paracas art, appearing in colorful pre-Columbian mantles.
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Jennifer Kester, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
The cornice is reminiscent of Mayan patterns and design; some scholars attribute the inspiration to his admiration of pre-Columbian architecture, while others attribute it to European design practices at the time.
—Chloe Arrojado, AFAR Media, 15 Apr. 2025
The troupe’s performances feature music, dance and costumes spanning pre-Columbian civilizations to today.
—Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2025
In the Americas, carnivals present elements rooted in pre-Columbian or African traditions.
—Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
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Jennifer Kester, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
The cornice is reminiscent of Mayan patterns and design; some scholars attribute the inspiration to his admiration of pre-Columbian architecture, while others attribute it to European design practices at the time.
—Chloe Arrojado, AFAR Media, 15 Apr. 2025
The troupe’s performances feature music, dance and costumes spanning pre-Columbian civilizations to today.
—Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2025
In the Americas, carnivals present elements rooted in pre-Columbian or African traditions.
—Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pre-Columbian
Cite this Entry
“Pre-Columbian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pre-Columbian. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.
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