Minoan

[ mi-noh-uhn, mahy- ]

adjective

1. of or relating to the ancient civilization of the island of Crete, dating from about 3000 to 1100 b.c.

noun

1. a native or inhabitant of ancient Crete.

Minoan

/ mɪˈnəʊən /

adjective

1. denoting the Bronze Age culture of Crete from about 3000 bc to about 1100 bc Compare Mycenaean
2. of or relating to the linear writing systems used in Crete and later in mainland Greece See Linear A Linear B

noun

1. a Cretan belonging to the Minoan culture

Word History and Origins

Origin of Minoan¹

First recorded in 1890–95; Mino(s) + -an

Word History and Origins

Origin of Minoan¹

C19: named after Minos , from the excavations at his supposed palace at Knossos

Example Sentences

They will not be visiting the ruins of the Minoan palace of Knossos.

From Los Angeles Times

Remember the Minoan goddess-priestess figurines—they have snakes coiled around their arms and are in an oracular trance.

From Scientific American

But if someone really cool shows up speaking Icelandic or ancient Minoan, and everyone turns to look, the child will notice.

From New York Times

But he largely avoids judgment while devising formal titles for dwellings like Pixel Ghost, Cerulean Icebox, Minoan Makeover and Samurai Helmet House.

From New York Times

He stole others from a locked room at the ancient palace of Knossos, a 5-acre archaeological site that was the center of Minoan culture, according to experts.

From Seattle Times