anachronism

American  

[uh-nak-ruh-niz-uhm] / əˈnæk rəˌnɪz əm /

noun

1. something or someone that is not in its correct historical or chronological time, especially a thing or person that belongs to an earlier time.

   The sword is an anachronism in modern warfare.

2. an error in chronology in which a person, object, event, etc., is assigned a date or period other than the correct one.

   To assign Michelangelo to the 14th century is an anachronism.

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anachronism British  

/ əˈnækrəˌnɪzəm /

noun

1. the representation of an event, person, or thing in a historical context in which it could not have occurred or existed

2. a person or thing that belongs or seems to belong to another time

   she regards the Church as an anachronism

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Other Word Forms

• anachronically adverb
• anachronistic adjective
• anachronistically adverb

Etymology

Origin of anachronism

1640–50; < Latin anachronismus < Greek anachronismós a wrong time reference, equivalent to anachron ( ízein ) to make a wrong time reference ( ana-, chron-, -ize ) + -ismos -ism

Example Sentences

But the big news is what’s old: the continuing availability of Ford’s high-output 7.3-liter V8, a naturally aspirated, pushrod actuated, gas-guzzling anachronism nicknamed Godzilla.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 6, 2026

Andy Cooke, chief inspector of constabulary, said the current police funding formula was "an anachronism".

From BBC • Dec. 17, 2024

Comedian Sean Patton plays Markie, the high school football coach, a brawny walking anachronism with surprising insights of his own.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 22, 2024

However, Cracker Barrel is a brand for which its anachronism has long been a selling point, as well as a brand whose customer base reacts strongly to any whiff of change.

From Salon • Jun. 2, 2024

“It’s not unthinkable that someone like you could play. You’re no anachronism, buddy.”

From "A High Five for Glenn Burke" by Phil Bildner