Olmec

[ ol-mek, ohl- ]

adjective

1. of or designating a Mesoamerican civilization, c1000–400 b.c., along the southern Gulf coast of Mexico, characterized by extensive agriculture, a dating system, long-distance trade networks, pyramids and ceremonial centers, and very fine jade work.

noun

, plural Ol·mecs, (especially collectively) Ol·mec.

1. a member of the ancient people who belonged to the Olmec civilization.

Olmec

/ ˈɒlmɛk /

noun

1. a member of an ancient Central American Indian people who inhabited the southern Gulf Coast of Mexico and flourished between about 1200 and 400 bc

adjective

1. of or relating to these people or their civilization or culture

Example Sentences

Completing the immersive effect, shadows projected on the rear wall evoke Los Angeles street art and sights — an Olmec head; a raven on a power line.

From New York Times

It was carved from volcanic rock sometime between 800-400 BC during the heyday of the Olmec civilization, one of Mexico’s earliest complex societies with sites mostly clustered around the country’s Gulf coast.

From Reuters

Tamales date to pre-Hispanic times when Olmecs, Mexicas and Mayas prepared them for religious rituals, offerings and even placed them in tombs.

From Seattle Times

But a new study suggests the ancient calendar used by Maya and Olmec cultures may date back as early as 1100 B.C.E., centuries earlier than previous estimates.

From Science Magazine

It will include artifacts, paintings and documents from the Maya, Aztec, Olmec and Inca cultures, among others, and will explore native life before, during and after the era of colonization.

From Washington Post