immemorial
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of immemorial
From the Medieval Latin word immemoriālis, dating back to 1595–1605. See im- 2, memorial
Explanation
Anything immemorial is very, very old. You're most likely to hear this word in the phrase "time immemorial," a common way to say "so long ago that no one remembers it." The French immémorial means "old beyond memory," from a Latin root. Don't confuse this adjective with immemorable, which is sometimes used instead, but which literally means "not worth remembering." Immemorial is a perfect way to describe ancient things, including stories, customs, religions, and even time itself.
Vocabulary lists containing immemorial
This Week in Words: March 30–April 5, 2019
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Ancient Wisdom: Synonyms for "Old"
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"The Witch Boy" by Molly Knox Ostertag
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Despite Washington state requiring that schools implement the Since Time Immemorial tribal sovereignty curriculum, only about half of the state’s school districts have, according to a report last fall.
From Seattle Times • Oct. 10, 2022
The passage of the 2015 Since Time Immemorial law has given more urgency to the effort.
From Seattle Times • May 22, 2022
Kallappa hopes the Since Time Immemorial curriculum can help reframe people’s perceptions about Native citizens and put Native people in the present tense.
From Seattle Times • May 22, 2022
Legislation passed in 2005 set precedent for the Since Time Immemorial curriculum, but only “recommended” it be taught.
From Seattle Times • May 22, 2022
Immemorial tendernesses were in his voice as he spoke to his wife: "My sweet, what are you thinking of, withdrawn so far from me?"
From Roads from Rome by Allinson, Anne C. E. (Anne Crosby Emery)
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
