Definition of ARTIFACTS (original) (raw)
1
a
: a usually simple object (such as a tool or ornament) showing human workmanship or modification as distinguished from a natural object
especially : an object remaining from a particular period
caves containing prehistoric artifacts
b
: something characteristic of or resulting from a particular human institution, period, trend, or individual
… morality is an artifact of human culture, devised to help us negotiate social relations.—
Michael Pollan
c
: something or someone arising from or associated with an earlier time especially when regarded as no longer appropriate, relevant, or important
… that over-simplified but eloquent quality that keeps Jefferson alive for us while Washington and Adams, his superiors in so many other respects, are artifacts of a quaint and lost world.—Jack Rakove
2
a
: a product of artificial character (as in a scientific test) due usually to extraneous (such as human) agency
b
: an electrocardiographic and electroencephalographic wave that arises from sources other than the heart or brain
c
: a defect in an image (such as a digital photograph) that appears as a result of the technology and methods used to create and process the image
… can produce a very good picture, but there will be some loss of detail and some color artifacts such as adjacent colors bleeding into each other.—Consumer Reports
Did you know?
One of the things that make humans unique is their ability to make and use tools, and ever since the first rough stone axes began to appear about 700,000 years ago, human cultures have left behind artifacts from which we've tried to draw a picture of their everyday life. The roots of artifact mean basically "something made with skill;" thus, a mere stone that was used for pounding isn't an artifact, since it wasn't shaped by humans for its purpose—unlike a ram's horn that was polished and given a brass mouthpiece and was blown as part of a religious ritual.
Examples of artifact in a Sentence
The caves contained many prehistoric artifacts. an artifact from the Colonial period
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Now evidence of trip is found One of the artifacts was a terret ring, which would have been used on Celtic chariots to help guide the horse reins, the organization said. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 31 Jan. 2025 Deep inside headquarters of the Baltimore Police Department, a vault holds thousands of artifacts from a generation of gun crime and clues to a tide that may be turning. —Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 30 Jan. 2025 Proceeds will benefit the Springsteen Center’s mission to not only preserve artifacts related to the Boss’ career but also produce exhibitions and other programs celebrating American music in all its forms. —Spin Staff, SPIN, 28 Jan. 2025 The spacious dining room is decked out with Afghan artifacts like native drums and headpieces, and from the ceiling droop hundreds of colorful swatches that are meant to recall poppies. —John Metcalfe, The Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for artifact 
Word History
Etymology
borrowed from New Latin arte factus "made by human agency," from Latin arte "by skill or craft" (ablative of art-, ars "acquired skill, craftmanship") + factus, past participle of facere "to make, bring about, do" — more at art entry 1, fact
Note: The usual American spelling _artifact_—opposed to artefact in the British Isles and elsewhere—shows assimilation to Latin compounds with arti- (see artifice).
First Known Use
1644, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Time Traveler
The first known use of artifact was in 1644
Dictionary Entries Near artifact
Cite this Entry
“Artifact.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/artifact. Accessed 12 Feb. 2025.
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Last Updated: 3 Feb 2025 - Updated example sentences
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