Holocene

American  

[hol-uh-seen, hoh-luh-] / ˈhɒl əˌsin, ˈhoʊ lə- /

adjective

1. recent.

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noun

1. recent.

Holocene British  

/ ˈhɒləˌsiːn /

adjective

1. of, denoting, or formed in the second and most recent epoch of the Quaternary period, which began 10 000 years ago at the end of the Pleistocene

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noun

1. the Holocene epoch or rock series

Holocene Scientific  

/ hŏl′ə-sēn′,hō′lə-sēn′ /

1. The more recent of the two epochs of the Quaternary Period, beginning at the end of the last major Ice Age, about 10,000 years ago. It is characterized by the development of human civilizations.

2. Also called Recent

3. See Chart at geologic time

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Etymology

Origin of Holocene

First recorded in 1895–1900; holo- + -cene

Compare meaning

How does holocene compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• Holocene vs. Anthropocene

Example Sentences

Scientists have discovered that the magma reservoir tied to the largest volcanic eruption of the Holocene is filling again.

From Science Daily • Mar. 29, 2026

By analyzing ancient sediment layers from lakes on K'gari, located off Queensland's south eastern coast, scientists uncovered signs of a major drying period about 7,500 years ago during the middle Holocene.

From Science Daily • Mar. 2, 2026

Using this data, the team reconstructed ocean changes stretching back almost 12,000 years to the start of the Holocene epoch, which began after the last major ice age.

From Science Daily • Oct. 23, 2025

In the meantime, we remain in the Holocene epoch, which started at the end of the last ice age, some 11,700 years ago.

From BBC • Mar. 21, 2024

By geologists’ current timeline of Earth’s 4.6-billion-year history, our world right now is in the Holocene, which began 11,700 years ago with the most recent retreat of the great glaciers.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 9, 2024