pre-Hispanic

adjective

pre-His·​pan·​ic ˌprē-(h)i-ˈspa-nik How to pronounce pre-Hispanic (audio)
: of, relating to, or being the time prior to Spanish conquests in the western hemisphere

Examples of pre-Hispanic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Some historians trace mole back to the pre-Hispanic Aztecs. Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 2 July 2025 Most of the modern canal network originally dates to pre-Hispanic times, more than 1400 years ago. Ari Caramanica, The Conversation, 8 Apr. 2025 But certain pre-Hispanic beliefs have been incorporated into Catholic festivities. Ana Karina Zatarain, New Yorker, 21 June 2025 Crimes against Peru’s cultural heritage, such as the commercialization of pre-Hispanic cultural assets, are punishable by imprisonment of no less than three and no more than eight years, according to officials. Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for pre-Hispanic

Word History

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pre-Hispanic was in 1919

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Cite this Entry

“Pre-Hispanic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pre-Hispanic. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

pre-Hispanic

adjective
pre-His·​pan·​ic
ˌprē-(h)i-ˈspan-ik
: of, relating to, or being the time prior to Spanish conquests in the western hemisphere
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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