propylaeum

noun

pro·py·lae·um ˌprä-pə-ˈlē-əm

ˌprō-

plural propylaea ˌprä-pə-ˈlē-ə

ˌprō-

: a vestibule or entrance of architectural importance before a building or enclosure

—often used in plural

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek propylaion, from pro- before + pylē gate — more at pro-

First Known Use

1637, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of propylaeum was in 1637

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Browse Nearby Words

propyl

propylaeum

propylate

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Propylaeum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/propylaeum. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

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