SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus
view recents

preoccupant

adjective
Save Word
pre·​occupant

Definition of preoccupant

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: occupying in advance

preoccupant

noun
\ " \

Definition of preoccupant (Entry 2 of 2)

: one that occupies something (as a piece of land) ahead of others : a prior occupant

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for preoccupant

Adjective

Latin praeoccupant-, praeoccupans, present participle of praeoccupare to occupy in advance

Noun

pre- + occupant

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about preoccupant

Statistics for preoccupant

Cite this Entry

“Preoccupant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preoccupant. Accessed 26 Feb. 2021.

Style: MLA
MLA Chicago APA Merriam-Webster

Comments on preoccupant

What made you want to look up preoccupant? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

megillah

Listen to the pronunciation of megillah

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

More Confusing Words—Quiz

  • cats on impossible timber
  • The magician ______ moved the selected card to the top of the deck.
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Typeshift

Anagram puzzles meet word search.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games