ante meridiem

[ an-tee muh-rid-ee-uhm, -em ]

adverb

1. before noon. a.m.

ante meridiem

/ ˈæntɪ məˈrɪdɪəm /

(no translation)

1. the full form of a.m.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ante meridiem¹

First recorded in 1555–65

Word History and Origins

Origin of ante meridiem¹

Latin, from ante- + merīdiēs midday

Example Sentences

“That’s where we get the terms a.m. and p.m. - ante meridiem, before the meridian, and post meridiem, after the meridian.”

From Washington Times

“That’s where we get the terms a.m. and p.m. — ante meridiem, before the meridian, and post meridiem, after the meridian.”

From Seattle Times

But also by marrying “a.m.,” from ante meridiem, which is Latin for before noon, with the French word “bien,” meaning good or well, the brand cleverly implies the benefit of feeling “well in the morning.”

From New York Times

Related Words

• dawn