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

However, the price of diesel had already jumped after the Iran war started and was still 20% above its prewar level when Russia instituted its export ban, making that tightening of supply feel that much more acute. — Gabriel Cortés, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026

This prewar postage stamp is another case where modern conveniences have been tastefully incorporated. — Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 12 Oct. 2026

Known for her mastery of the bias cut, Vionnet created clothing that mirrored the natural movement of the body, while her innovative approach to cut and construction marked a move away from the structured Edwardian fashions of the prewar period. — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026

Maritime tracking firm Kpler said this week that oil exports from the region surpassed prewar levels last week, despite ongoing attacks on ships in the strait. — Frank Andrews, CBS News, 7 Oct. 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