prehistory

[ pree-his-tuh-ree, -his-tree ]

noun

, plural pre·his·to·ries.

1. human history in the period before recorded events, known mainly through archaeological discoveries, study, research, etc.; history of prehistoric humans.
2. a history of the events or incidents leading to a crisis, situation, or the like.

Other Words From

• pre·his·to·ri·an [pree-hi-, stawr, -ee-, uh, n, -, stohr, -], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of prehistory¹

First recorded in 1870–75; pre- + history

Example Sentences

Everything before 1973 is consigned to the mists of prehistory.

From Los Angeles Times

Greenhouse’s words are taken from “Reversing Roe,” a 2018 documentary on the prehistory and aftermath of the Supreme Court decision, available on Netflix.

From Los Angeles Times

Matthew Knight, senior curator of prehistory at National Museums Scotland, said the project had been "essentially a jigsaw puzzle."

From BBC

It's described as one of the most important archaeological excavations in the world, a find that changed what we understand about the culture and beliefs of Neolithic Orkney, one "shining a new light on the prehistory of northern Europe".

From BBC

Precisely when in prehistory mammals began to lactate, no one yet knows.

From Slate

Related Words

• account
• annals
• biography
• record
• relation
• story
• tale