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antique

Syllabification: (an·tique)
Pronunciation: /anˈtēk/
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Definition of antique

noun

  • a collectible object such as a piece of furniture or work of art that has a high value because of its considerable age:Pauline loves collecting antiques [as modifier]:an antique dealer

adjective

  • 1(of a collectible object) having a high value because of considerable age:an antique clock
  • (of a method of finishing a wooden surface) intended to resemble the appearance of antique furniture:bookshelves with an antique finish
  • 2belonging to ancient times:statues of antique gods
  • old-fashioned or outdated:trade unions defending antique work practices
  • often humorous showing signs of great age or wear:an antique divorcee in reduced circumstances

verb

  • 1 (antiques, antiquing, antiqued) [with object] (usually as adjective antiqued) make (something) resemble an antique by artificial means:an antiqued door
  • 2 (go antiquing) shop in stores where antiques are sold:we would often go antiquing in search of furnishings

Origin:

late 15th century (as an adjective): from Latin antiquus, anticus 'former, ancient', from ante 'before'

antique in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of antique in the British & World English dictionary