prewar

adjective

pre·​war ˌprē-ˈwȯr How to pronounce prewar (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In the prewar American novel, this is a relatively common attitude, but in the literature of the 1950s and beyond, the value—if also the risks—of individuality and rebellion emerges as a major theme. Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026 The three-bedroom home is within a prewar cooperative apartment house in Lenox Hill designed by architect Emory Roth and completed in 1932. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 11 Mar. 2026 This week, a study in prewar contrasts in Clinton Hill. Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 9 Mar. 2026 Ukraine's prewar population was more than 40 million. ABC News, 23 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prewar

Word History

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prewar was in 1868

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Cite this Entry

“Prewar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prewar. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

prewar

adjective
pre·​war
ˈprē-ˈwȯ(ə)r
: occurring or existing before a war

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