predynastic
adjective
pre·dy·nas·tic
ˌprē-dī-ˈna-stik 
variants
or pre-dynastic
: occurring before a dynasty
especially
: occurring before the ancient Egyptian dynasties ruling from about 3400 b.c.
the predynastic period/age
predynastic rulers
—often capitalized in this specific sense … the fine plum-red ware that is a hallmark of Predynastic culture … —
Michael Allen Hoffman
Michael Allen Hoffman Examples of predynastic in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
These depictions ranged from predynastic statues to wall paintings, amulets, and statues — a tradition spanning 3,000 years.
—Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 12 Feb. 2024
Agadez, the regional capital of the north, oversees a parched, rugged landscape larger than France, home to a unique Saharan eco-reserve and the source of nearly all predynastic archaeological and paleontological heritage.
—Paul Sereno, Chicago Tribune, 24 Mar. 2023
The site linked Egypt and Canaan from predynastic times onward.
—Petro Kotzé, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 May 2022
Archaeologists have uncovered predynastic tombs that date back to before the times of Egypt's pharaohs.
—Asha C. Gilbert, USA TODAY, 30 Apr. 2021
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Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 12 Feb. 2024
Agadez, the regional capital of the north, oversees a parched, rugged landscape larger than France, home to a unique Saharan eco-reserve and the source of nearly all predynastic archaeological and paleontological heritage.
—Paul Sereno, Chicago Tribune, 24 Mar. 2023
The site linked Egypt and Canaan from predynastic times onward.
—Petro Kotzé, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 May 2022
Archaeologists have uncovered predynastic tombs that date back to before the times of Egypt's pharaohs.
—Asha C. Gilbert, USA TODAY, 30 Apr. 2021
Cite this Entry
“Predynastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/predynastic. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.
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