prewar

adjective

pre·​war ˌprē-ˈwȯr 

variants or pre-war

: occurring or existing before a war and especially before World War II

prewar conditions

the prewar era/period/years

the country's prewar population

prewar levels of industrial production

an apartment in a prewar building

Examples of prewar in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Oil had trade around $76 before the ceasefire collapsed, not far from its prewar level of around $73. — ABC News, 23 July 2026

In a note Monday, Rapidan Group analysts extended their timeline for Gulf oil production to return to prewar levels by a year, into the end of 2027. — Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 21 July 2026

The bathroom, on the other hand, is quite glamorous with its original prewar details, including a soaking tub and checkerboard tiling. — Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 20 July 2026

And after the World Central Kitchen strike, on April 1st, Israel had briefly increased the number of supply trucks entering Gaza to nearly prewar levels. — David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 20 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for prewar

• abhor
• abor
• adore
• afore
• ardour
• ashore
• backdoor
• before
• bookstore
• candour
• centaur
• claymore

Kids Definition

prewar

adjective

pre·​war

ˈprē-ˈwȯ(ə)r

: occurring or existing before a war