Olmec

American  

[ol-mek, ohl-] / ˈɒl mɛk, ˈoʊl- /

adjective

1. of or designating a Mesoamerican civilization, c1000–400 b.c., along the southern Gulf coast of Mexico, characterized by extensive agriculture, a dating system, long-distance trade networks, pyramids and ceremonial centers, and very fine jade work.

---

noun

Olmecs plural

1. a member of the ancient people who belonged to the Olmec civilization.

Olmec British  

/ ˈɒlmɛk /

noun

1. a member of an ancient Central American Indian people who inhabited the southern Gulf Coast of Mexico and flourished between about 1200 and 400 _bc

---

adjective

1. of or relating to these people or their civilization or culture

Other Word Forms

Inflected Forms

noun

• Olmec
  plural
• Olmecs
  plural

Example Sentences

Completing the immersive effect, shadows projected on the rear wall evoke Los Angeles street art and sights — an Olmec head; a raven on a power line.

From New York Times • Jan. 19, 2024

It was carved from volcanic rock sometime between 800-400 BC during the heyday of the Olmec civilization, one of Mexico’s earliest complex societies with sites mostly clustered around the country’s Gulf coast.

From Reuters • May 27, 2023

The Olmec sculpture’s return to Mexico was hailed by Mexico Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard, who spoke just before it was carefully hauled onto a plane for its trip back home.

From Reuters • May 27, 2023

Given the effort required to transport the stone and carve the heads, these works were likely intended to emphasize the power of the rulers, both to the Olmec people and to outsiders.

From Textbooks • Apr. 19, 2023

And with it appeared the Olmec, Mesoamerica’s first great civilization.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann