# Aztec

/ˈæzˌtɛk/ (US) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/aztec
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

relating to the people and culture that lived in central Mexico before the Spanish arrived in the 1500s.

For teachers: relating to the Nahuatl-speaking people who established a vast empire in central Mexico during the 14th to 16th centuries.

## Examples

- We saw many beautiful Aztec gold pieces at the museum.
- The researchers studied the complex Aztec calendar to understand how the ancient civilization tracked the seasons.
- Archaeologists recently uncovered a series of Aztec ruins beneath the modern city streets, providing fresh insights into the architectural sophistication of the Triple Alliance.

## Usage notes

- Often capitalised. While it can refer to the people as a plural noun, it is most frequently used to describe art, history, or culture.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.