dolmen: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2formal, academic, technical
Quick answer
What does “dolmen” mean?
A prehistoric structure consisting of two or more upright stones supporting a large horizontal slab, typically forming a burial chamber or portal.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A prehistoric structure consisting of two or more upright stones supporting a large horizontal slab, typically forming a burial chamber or portal.
Any megalithic tomb or structure from the Neolithic or early Bronze Age, sometimes used as a general term for ancient stone monuments, often found in Western European landscapes.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is equally technical in both varieties.
Connotations
Connotes ancient history, archaeology, and prehistoric cultures. May evoke imagery of the British Isles or Brittany in France.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects. Almost exclusively used in archaeological, historical, or travel/touristic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “dolmen” in a Sentence
The dolmen [stands/ is located] [prepositional phrase]Archaeologists [studied/excavated] the dolmen.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dolmen” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The dolmen period is fascinating.
- We studied dolmen construction techniques.
American English
- The dolmen era predates written history.
- Dolmen architecture varies by region.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in archaeology, anthropology, and history papers to describe specific Neolithic structures.
Everyday
Rarely used. Might appear in travel guides or documentaries about ancient sites.
Technical
The primary context. Used with precision to classify a type of megalithic funerary architecture.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dolmen”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dolmen”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dolmen”
- Using 'dolmen' to refer to any large, old stone. It specifically requires a capstone supported by uprights.
- Pronouncing it as /dɒlˈmɛn/ (dol-MEN) instead of the correct /ˈdɒl.mən/ (DOL-mən).
- Spelling as 'dolman' (which is a type of sleeve or cloak).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It comes from the Breton language (taol maen), meaning 'stone table'. It was adopted into French and then English in the 19th century.
In English archaeological usage, 'cromlech' often refers to a stone circle. However, in Welsh context, it can be synonymous with 'dolmen'. It's best to use 'dolmen' for the table-like tomb structure to avoid confusion.
They are most frequently found in Western Europe, particularly in the British Isles, Brittany (France), Ireland, and the Iberian Peninsula.
No, 'dolmen' is exclusively a noun. There is no standard verb form related to it.
A prehistoric structure consisting of two or more upright stones supporting a large horizontal slab, typically forming a burial chamber or portal.
Dolmen is usually formal, academic, technical in register.
Dolmen: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɒl.mən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdoʊl.mən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this specific word]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a DOLL and a MENhir (a tall stone). The doll is placed under a huge stone held up by menhirs, like a table. A dolmen is like a stone table.
Conceptual Metaphor
A dolmen is a STONE TABLE (from its appearance) or a DOORWAY TO THE AFTERLIFE (from its funerary function).
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'dolmen' primarily?