Fossil — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective noun /ˈfä-səl/ fos·sil

Meaning & Definition of Fossil

Fossil (adjective)

  1. preserved from a past geologic age
  2. being or resembling a fossil
  3. of or relating to fossil fuel

Fossil (noun)

  1. a remnant, impression, or trace of an organism of past geologic ages that has been preserved in the earth's crust
  2. a person whose views are outmoded, fogy
  3. something (such as a theory) that has become rigidly fixed

Fossil (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a person with old-fashioned ideas

    "some old fossil who thinks that a boy and a girl shouldn't be together unsupervised until they are engaged"

    similar: antediluvian, Colonel Blimp, dodo, fogy, fud, fuddy-duddy, mossback, reactionary, stick-in-the-mud, stuffed shirt
    related: conservative, rightist, Tory, mandarin, old hand, old-timer, veteran, old maid
    opposite: hipster, modern, trendy
    near: liberal, progressive, radical

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Fossil

The most common words with a similar meaning to Fossil:

antediluvian, Colonel Blimp, dodo, fogy, fud, fuddy-duddy, mossback, reactionary, stick-in-the-mud, stuffed shirt

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Fossil

Words with the opposite meaning of Fossil:

hipster, modern, trendy

Related Words for Fossil

conservative, rightist, Tory, mandarin, old hand, old-timer, veteran, old maid

Near Antonyms of Fossil

liberal, progressive, radical

Origin & Etymology of Fossil

earlier, "dug from the earth, preserved in the ground," borrowed from French & Latin; French fossile, borrowed from Latin fossilis "obtained by digging," from fodiō, fodere "to prod, jab, dig, remove by digging" (going back to Indo-European *bhedh-, *bhodh- "jab, dig," whence also Lithuanian bedù, bèsti "to stick, dig," Old Church Slavic bodǫ, bosti "to prick, stab," Hittite paddai "digs") + -tilis "produced by, characterized by (the action of the verb)"

First known use: 1665

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Fossil

Words & Phrases Containing Fossil

fossil fuel, index fossil, living fossil, trace fossil

Frequently Asked Questions about Fossil

What does "Fossil" mean?

"Fossil" means preserved from a past geologic age. As an an adjective and a noun, it is defined as: preserved from a past geologic age.

What is another word for "Fossil"?

Other words for "Fossil" include antediluvian, Colonel Blimp, dodo, fogy, fud, fuddy-duddy, mossback and reactionary. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Fossil" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Fossil"?

There are 18 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Fossil". Common alternatives include antediluvian, Colonel Blimp, dodo, fogy, fud, fuddy-duddy, mossback, reactionary, stick-in-the-mud and stuffed shirt.

What is the opposite of "Fossil"?

Antonyms of "Fossil" include hipster, modern and trendy. Near antonyms include liberal, progressive and radical.

How do you use "Fossil" in a sentence?

Examples of "Fossil" in a sentence: "some old fossil who thinks that a boy and a girl shouldn't be together unsupervised until they are engaged".

Is "Fossil" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Fossil" can be used as an adjective and a noun, depending on the context.

Is "Fossil" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Fossil" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Fossil"?

"Fossil" is pronounced /ˈfä-səl/ and divided into syllables as fos·sil.