Dictionary

1antique

adjective an·tique \(ˌ)an-ˈtēk, in verse often ˈan-tik\

: belonging to an earlier period, style, or fashion : old and often valuable

Full Definition of ANTIQUE

1
:  existing since or belonging to earlier times :  ancient <antique trade routes to India>
2
a :  being in the style or fashion of former times <antique manners and graces>
b :  made in or representative of the work of an earlier period <antique mirrors>; also :  being an antique
3
:  selling or exhibiting antiques <an antique show>
ADVERTISEMENT

Origin of ANTIQUE

Middle French, from Latin antiquus, from ante before — more at ante-
First Known Use: 1527

Synonym Discussion of ANTIQUE

old, ancient, venerable, antique, antiquated, archaic, obsolete mean having come into existence or use in the more or less distant past. old may apply to either actual or merely relative length of existence <old houses> <an old sweater of mine>. ancient applies to occurrence, existence, or use in or survival from the distant past <ancient accounts of dragons>. venerable stresses the impressiveness and dignity of great age <the family's venerable patriarch>. antique applies to what has come down from a former or ancient time <collected antique Chippendale furniture>. antiquated implies being discredited or outmoded or otherwise inappropriate to the present time <antiquated teaching methods>. archaic implies having the character or characteristics of a much earlier time <the play used archaic language to convey a sense of period>. obsolete may apply to something regarded as no longer acceptable or useful even though it is still in existence <a computer that makes earlier models obsolete>.

Other Fine Arts Terms

Gothic, baroque, bas-relief, limn, oeuvre, pastiche, rococo, sfumato

2antique

noun an·tique \(ˌ)an-ˈtēk\

: art, furniture, jewelry, etc., that was made at an earlier time and is often valuable

Full Definition of ANTIQUE

1
:  a relic or object of ancient times
2
a :  a work of art, piece of furniture, or decorative object made at an earlier period and according to various customs laws at least 100 years ago
b :  a manufactured product (as an automobile) from an earlier period

First Known Use of ANTIQUE

1530

Other Archaeology Terms

Attic, Byzantine, Paleolithic, cairn, core, flint, horizon, neolithic, shard, stratum

3antique

verb an·tique \(ˌ)an-ˈtēk\
an·tiquedan·tiqu·ing

Definition of ANTIQUE

transitive verb
:  to finish or refinish in antique style :  give an appearance of age to <antique a table>
intransitive verb
:  to shop around for antiques
an·tiqu·er \an-ˈtē-kər\ noun

First Known Use of ANTIQUE

1884
ANTIQUE Defined for Kids

1antique

noun an·tique \an-ˈtēk\

Definition of ANTIQUE for Kids

:  an object (as a piece of furniture) made at an earlier time

2antique

adjective

Definition of ANTIQUE for Kids

:  belonging to or like a former style or fashion <antique lamps>
ADVERTISEMENT
How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.
Test your vocab with our fun, fast game
Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears