preoccupancy

noun

pre·​oc·​cu·​pan·​cy (ˌ)prē-ˈä-kyə-pən(t)-sē How to pronounce preoccupancy (audio)
1
: an act or the right of taking possession before another
2
: the condition of being completely busied or preoccupied

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1755, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of preoccupancy was circa 1755

Dictionary Entries Near preoccupancy

Cite this Entry

“Preoccupancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preoccupancy. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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