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immemorial

adjective
im·​me·​mo·​ri·​al | \ ËŒi-mÉ™-ˈmȯr-Ä“-É™l How to pronounce immemorial (audio) \

Definition of immemorial

: extending or existing since beyond the reach of memory, record, or tradition existing from time immemorial
Other Words from immemorial Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about immemorial

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Other Words from immemorial

immemorially \ ËŒi-​mÉ™-​ˈmȯr-​Ä“-​É™-​lÄ“ How to pronounce immemorially (audio) \ adverb

Synonyms & Antonyms for immemorial

Synonyms

age-old, aged, ancient, antediluvian, antique, dateless, hoar, hoary, old, venerable

Antonyms

modern, new, recent

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Examples of immemorial in a Sentence

the immemorial roots of human spirituality stories passed down from time immemorial

Recent Examples on the Web

 The chapters, named after months in the Ethiopian calendar and suffused with an awe for the landscape, direct our attention to the immemorial, recurring rhythms of earth and sky: of rain, sowing and harvest, of weddings, births and funerals. — Gaiutra Bahadur, New York Times, "She Didn’t Know How to Read, but Her Stories Captured History," 10 May 2018 The welfare state, properly understood by Friedrich Hayek and others, is an effort to continue in modern conditions the immemorial practice of taking care of those who are poor, disabled, or in distress. — Christopher Demuth Sr., National Review, "Repairing Our Fractured Politics," 11 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'immemorial.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of immemorial

1602, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for immemorial

probably from French immémorial, from Middle French, from Medieval Latin immemorialis lacking memory, from Latin in- + memorialis memorial

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More Definitions for immemorial

immemorial

adjective
How to pronounce immemorial (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of immemorial

formal + literary : very old or ancient : from a time so long ago that it cannot be remembered

See the full definition for immemorial in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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More from Merriam-Webster on immemorial

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with immemorial

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for immemorial

Spanish Central: Translation of immemorial

Nglish: Translation of immemorial for Spanish Speakers

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