epigraphy

noun

epig·​ra·​phy i-ˈpi-grə-fē How to pronounce epigraphy (audio)
e-
1
2
: the study of inscriptions
especially : the deciphering of ancient inscriptions

Examples of epigraphy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Mitchell, who specialized in epigraphy, had found an inscription indicating that a local citizen, Domitius Samos, erected it to commemorate a Roman victory in the Persian Wars in A.D. 233. Joshua Hammer, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 May 2024 But his forays into epigraphy were perhaps less accomplished and won him mostly skepticism and ridicule from the scientific community. Stephen C. George, Discover Magazine, 3 Feb. 2021 The specialists hailed not just from the field of archaeology, but also from several disciplines, including geology; archaeobotany, the study of ancient plants; epigraphy, the study of inscriptions, and numismatics, the study of ancient coins. Patrick Smith, NBC News, 8 Nov. 2022 The team tested the system by comparing Pythia's results on completing 2,949 inscriptions with those of Oxford graduate students in epigraphy. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 10 Mar. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'epigraphy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

epigraph + -y entry 2

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of epigraphy was in 1851

Dictionary Entries Near epigraphy

Cite this Entry

“Epigraphy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epigraphy. Accessed 20 May. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on epigraphy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!