Dictionary
prehistory
noun pre·his·to·ry \ˌprē-ˈhis-t(ə-)rē\
: the period of time in the past before people could write : the time before history was written down
: the time and events that came before and led to the development of something
Full Definition of PREHISTORY
1
: the study of prehistoric humankind
2
: a history of the antecedents of an event, situation, or thing
3
: the prehistoric period of human evolution
See prehistory defined for English-language learners
See prehistory defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
First Known Use of PREHISTORY
1871
Other Anthropology Terms
Rhymes with PREHISTORY
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: prehnitePrevious Word in the Dictionary: prehistoric archaeologyAll Words Near: prehistory
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up prehistory? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).