Midden Meaning in English
word
Definition
A midden is a pile or heap of waste material, especially one left by ancient people, often made up of food scraps or shells. Archaeologists study middens to learn about how people lived in the past.
Usage & Nuances
Mostly used in archaeology and historical contexts. Commonly refers to remains from ancient peoples, like shell middens. In everyday speech, 'midden' can also mean a messy heap or pile of waste, but this use is rare and somewhat old-fashioned.
Example Sentences
The archaeologist found a midden near the old village site.
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The coastal middens tell us what seafood people used to eat thousands of years ago.
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If you look closely, you can still see oyster shells sticking out of the old midden.
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A midden can hold important clues about early human diets.
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Shells, bones, and pottery were found in the ancient midden.
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Over the years, the midden grew into a small hill.
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