predated; predating; predates
: to prey on (something or someone)
Animals predate other animals in nature, but that is hardly commensurate with a massive worldwide farming industry that breeds species purely for our purpose.—
Jenny Diski
Jenny DiskiAre high-profile men that sexually predate women finally starting to lose immunity?—Alex McKinnon
Alex McKinnonAll cats may predate but those living indoors have little opportunity to do so.—Kevin Stafford
Kevin StaffordThere are many species that predate on pigeons and doves.—Revati
RevatiExamples of predate in a Sentence
Verb (1)
modes of transportation that predate the car
the native people who predated European settlers in America
Recent Examples on the Web
Pin Yen Tan 9 Min Ago, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026
The teaser plays like a chaotic brainstorm you were never supposed to see, and Affleck's long-running joke that his Dunkin' obsession predates fame, studios and good ideas.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 6 Feb. 2026
Founded in 1893, IATSE predates Hollywood, having originated in live theater before having its practices adapted for film and television.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 5 Feb. 2026
Joe’s predates the incorporation of the city in 1915.
—Howard Cohen, Sun Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for predate
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Verb
Incredibly, the 1899 predates even the oldest bottle in the DRC’s private reserve — a 1911 Richebourg.
—Pin Yen Tan 9 Min Ago, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026
The teaser plays like a chaotic brainstorm you were never supposed to see, and Affleck's long-running joke that his Dunkin' obsession predates fame, studios and good ideas.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 6 Feb. 2026
Founded in 1893, IATSE predates Hollywood, having originated in live theater before having its practices adapted for film and television.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 5 Feb. 2026
Joe’s predates the incorporation of the city in 1915.
—Howard Cohen, Sun Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for predate
Cite this Entry
“Predate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/predate. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
predate
verb
pre·date
(ˈ)prē-ˈdāt 
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