Definition

A pile of waste or refuse, often found in archaeological sites, that shows where people lived and what they discarded.

Example

The archaeologists discovered a midden filled with ancient shells and bones.

Conversation

Did you know there’s an old midden near the beach?

Really? What kind of stuff did they find there?

They discovered shells and animal bones from ancient times.

That sounds fascinating! I'd love to check it out sometime.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Midden → The word originates from Old English 'mydden', meaning a refuse heap or dung hill. It refers to a place where waste is accumulated.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'refuse heap' or a place where waste is collected — that's what a midden is.

Visually Confused Words