Ancient
Adjective
UK
/ËeÉȘn.ÊÉnt/
US
/ËeÉȘn.ÊÉnt/
Definition
Very old; from a long time ago, often many centuries in the past.
Example
"The pyramids are ancient structures"
"Ancient stories were passed down through generations before writing existed."
"Many ancient cities have ruins that attract tourists from all over the world."
Explanation
Ancient means something that is very, very old â often from thousands of years ago. It is usually used to describe things like old buildings, objects, times, or civilizations that existed long before the present. For example, the ancient Egyptians lived over 4,000 years ago and built the pyramids. Something ancient doesnât just mean old like your grandmotherâs clothes â it means from a time far in the past, often studied in history. It can also be used informally to describe something that feels very old-fashioned or no longer used.Â