noun
Uncommon
epoch
EE-pok
Epoch (noun) means a distinct period of time in history, especially one marked by particular events or characteristics. Example: “The invention of the printing press ushered in a new epoch of learning.”
noun
1
A distinct period of time in history, especially one marked by particular events or characteristics.
"The invention of the printing press ushered in a new epoch of learning."
"Historians call the years after the war a turbulent epoch."
2
Geology: a division of geological time shorter than a period.
"The Holocene is the current epoch of the geological timescale."
How to use epoch
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA significant, well-defined stretch of time — in everyday use, a "new era"; in science, a specific slice of geological or astronomical time.
Common pairings
a new epoch
mark an epoch
geological epoch
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like epoch.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- epochs
- Third person singular
- epochs
- Past tense
- epoched
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The invention of the printing press ushered in a new _____ of learning.
Etymology
From Greek epokhē, "a fixed point in time," from epékhein ("to hold back, pause") — originally used for the starting point from which a span of time is measured.
Synonyms
View more →
era
date of reference
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “epoch” mean?
The word “epoch” means a distinct period of time in history, especially one marked by particular events or characteristics. In plain terms, a significant, well-defined stretch of time — in everyday use, a "new era"; in science, a specific slice of geological or astronomical time.
How do you pronounce “epoch”?
“Epoch” is pronounced EE-pok (/ˈɛp.ək/ in IPA).
How do you use “epoch” in a sentence?
Here is “epoch” used in a sentence: “The invention of the printing press ushered in a new epoch of learning.”
What part of speech is “epoch”?
“Epoch” is a noun.
Where does the word “epoch” come from?
The word “epoch” comes from Greek. From Greek epokhē, "a fixed point in time," from epékhein ("to hold back, pause") — originally used for the starting point from which a span of time is measured.
Is “epoch” a common word?
“Epoch” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “epoch” have?
“Epoch” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a distinct period of time in history, especially one marked by particular events or characteristics.
