ancient

AYN-shuhnt/ˈeɪn.ʃənt/

Noun pluralancients

9 meanings of ancient

1
distant pastadjective
From a time very long ago in history, such as the time of the Greeks and Romans.
Like something from a time so long ago that nobody alive can remember it.
The museum keeps tools made by ancient people thousands of years ago.
In ancient times, people told the time by watching the sun.
UsageOften before a place or time: ancient Egypt, ancient times.
Oppositemodern, recent, contemporary
Note
2
adjective
Very old, having existed for a very long time.
Like a tree so old it was already tall when your great-great-grandparents were small.
An ancient tree grew at the center of the village.
My grandfather still drives his ancient pickup truck to town.
Similarold, aged, venerable, age-old
Oppositenew, young
Note
3
nouncountable
Someone who lived a very long time ago, in the early periods of history.
Like the people in the oldest stories, who lived before anyone you know.
The ancients built huge stone temples for their gods.
The ancients looked at the stars to tell the time of year.
UsageSay the ancients for people who lived long ago.
Note

Practice

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Origins

Meanings 1–6

It came through Old French from Latin 'ante,' meaning 'before.' The 't' sound was added later by comparison with words ending in '-ent.'

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 3 facts

Ancient derives through Old French from Latin ante. en.wiktionary.org
Latin ante means before. en.wiktionary.org
The t sound was added by analogy with the ending -ent. en.wiktionary.org

Meanings 7–8

This is a changed form of the word 'ensign.'

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 1 fact

Ancient, meaning a flag or flag-bearer, is an altered form of ensign. en.wiktionary.org