ancient history

noun

Synonyms of ancient historynext
1
: the history of ancient times
2
: something from the past dismissed as no longer important or relevant to the present
regarding their former dispute as ancient history

Examples of ancient history 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.
For anyone with a basic knowledge of ancient history, there were red flags aplenty. — Julia Buckley, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026 If the Wolverines win in Columbus this year, all this will seem like ancient history. — Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026 Egypt’s Theban necropolis holds over 400 tombs, a rich resource for archaeologists eager to learn more about that region’s ancient history. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 18 Aug. 2026 The combined success of these blockbusters — not to mention the droves of smaller-scale films doing their part — has helped vault the domestic box office back to numbers many prognosticators thought were ancient history. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ancient history

Word History

First Known Use

1566, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ancient history was in 1566

Rhymes for ancient history

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Browse Nearby Words

ancient demesne
ancient history
ancient light
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Cite this Entry

“Ancient history.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ancient%20history. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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