prehistory

noun

pre·​his·​to·​ry ˌprē-ˈhi-st(ə-)rē How to pronounce prehistory (audio)
1
: the study of prehistoric humankind
2
: a history of the antecedents of an event, situation, or thing
3
: the prehistoric period of human evolution

Examples of prehistory in a Sentence

We are learning about the prehistory of North America.
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.
For most of its history and prehistory, the human race has lived in various states of ignorance and wonder. — Robert Pogue Harrison, The New York Review of Books, 19 Mar. 2026 Scientists have known for a while that large-bodied octopuses existed in prehistory. — Kate Wong, Scientific American, 23 Apr. 2026 What has been demonstrated is that the selection pressure on eye color genes in European prehistory was extraordinarily strong. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 13 May 2026 The galleries, replete with slogans, rainbows, and photos of activists, narrate the prehistory of the 44th president, as if the whole trajectory of the civil-rights movements pointed to his election. — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for prehistory

Word History

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of prehistory was in 1871

Rhymes for prehistory

See All Rhymes for prehistory

Browse Nearby Words

prehistoric archaeology
prehistory
prehnite
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

prehistory

noun
pre·​his·​to·​ry (ˈ)prē-ˈhis-t(ə-)rē How to pronounce prehistory (audio)
: the study of prehistoric man
prehistorian
ˌprē-(h)is-ˈtōr-ē-ən, 
-ˈtȯr-
noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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