immemorial

[ im-uh-mawr-ee-uhl, -mohr- ]

adjective

1. extending back beyond memory, record, or knowledge:

   from time immemorial.

   Synonyms: olden, ageless, ancient, timeless

immemorial

/ ˌɪmɪˈmɔːrɪəl /

adjective

1. originating in the distant past; ancient (postpositive in the phrase time immemorial )

Derived Forms

• ˌimmeˈmorially, adverb

Other Words From

• imme·mori·al·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of immemorial¹

From the Medieval Latin word immemoriālis, dating back to 1595–1605. See im- ², memorial

Word History and Origins

Origin of immemorial¹

C17: from Medieval Latin immemoriālis, from Latin im- (not) + memoria memory

Idioms and Phrases

see time immemorial .

Example Sentences

“We acknowledge the painful history of genocide and forced occupation of their territory,” the statement goes on to say, “and we honor and respect the many diverse Indigenous people connected to this land on which we gather from time immemorial.”

From MIT Technology Review

People have, of course, been sleeping outdoors since time immemorial.

From Outside Online

The history of open memorials is perhaps best seen in spontaneous gestures of grief that are immemorial.

From Washington Post

We’ve got many, many Indigenous peoples and cultures who have lived here, as they say, since time immemorial.

From Washington Post

Lee was apparently unaware that the nominee’s Pueblo relatives are among the tribes that consider Bears Ears a sacred place, tracing their connections to the land to time immemorial.

From Washington Post

As Larkin would no doubt expect, the history of dubious royal parenting steps back to time immemorial.

From The Daily Beast

Ah yes, the threat wielded against the deliberately childless since time immemorial: Conform or you will regret it!

From The Daily Beast

Know that the world honors in and through you the builders of a country that is both immemorial and fragile, always under threat.

From The Daily Beast

These are the same tactics that management has used since time immemorial.

From The Daily Beast

And we have done so in a ritual that is ageless and tribal from time immemorial.

From The Daily Beast

The tobacco plant seems to have been cultivated in Mexico from time immemorial.

From Project Gutenberg

He permitted a plurality of wives, conforming in this point to the immemorial usage of the orientals.

From Project Gutenberg

Mrs. Jordan delivered herself of various immemorial sentiments which met the usual applause.

From Project Gutenberg

Hence the apron, which is a Masonic emblem, has from time immemorial been the covering of shame.

From Project Gutenberg

She wrote one charming book after another, at astonishingly short intervals, with every appearance of immemorial ease.

From Project Gutenberg