prehistoric

[ pree-hi-stawr-ik, -stor-, pree-i- ]

adjective

1. of or relating to the time or a period prior to recorded history ( def ):

   The dinosaur is a prehistoric beast.

2. Slang. outdated; passé:

   My mom has these prehistoric ideas about proper dress.

prehistoric

/ ˌpriːhɪˈstɒrɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to man's development before the appearance of the written word

Derived Forms

• ˌprehisˈtorically, adverb

Other Words From

• prehis·tori·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of prehistoric¹

First recorded in 1850–55; pre- + historic

Example Sentences

This was said about reviving 30-foot-tall prehistoric predators, but it’s also a solid idea to keep in mind when you’re editing images.

From Popular-Science

Just an expanse of strangely beautiful rock formations and badlands, the legacy of a prehistoric swamp.

From Outside Online

I spent a lot of time imagining prehistoric people and trying to get into their heads.

From Quanta Magazine

There were then simply more humans to invent, increasing the odds of a prehistoric Steve Jobs or Leonardo da Vinci.

From Singularity Hub 

Explore all sorts of ocean environments, including prehistoric seas and the Arctic.

From Ozy

Wicca is an ancient belief system that originated in prehistoric times.

From The Daily Beast

The massive inflatable structure is filled with multi-colored light and takes a prehistoric yet futuristic shape.

From The Daily Beast

At ground level: comically huge, flat-leafed plants that look like they come from a prehistoric diorama.

From The Daily Beast

This brilliant video takes a scientific look at the “giant prehistoric sea-monster that absorbed massive amounts of radiation.”

From The Daily Beast

A terrible storm melts the polar ice caps, unleashing a group of prehistoric creatures called Aurochs.

From The Daily Beast

Prehistoric man believed that if he ate anything its virtue passed into his physical system.

From Project Gutenberg

No one who visits Salisbury will forget Stonehenge, the most remarkable relic of prehistoric man to be found in Britain.

From Project Gutenberg

This rude and small race continued until a late period of prehistoric time.

From Project Gutenberg

The geraniums were great trees, his pet turtle was like a prehistoric monster, and the hollyhocks pierced heaven itself.

From Project Gutenberg

In the vicinity are numerous rock caves, many of them having been used as dwellings in prehistoric times.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• ancient
• archaic
• primeval
• primitive
• primordial