prewash

1 of 2

verb

pre·​wash ˌprē-ˈwȯsh How to pronounce prewash (audio)
-ˈwäsh,
 chiefly Midland also  -ˈwȯrsh,
 or  -ˈwärsh
variants or pre-wash
prewashed or pre-washed; prewashing or pre-washing

transitive verb

: to wash (something) prior to sale, use, etc.
prewash a sweater before wearing it
The vegetables are prewashed before they are packaged and sold.
prewashed
ˌprē-ˈwȯsht How to pronounce prewash (audio)
-ˈwäsht
 chiefly Midland also  -ˈwȯrsht
 or  -ˈwärsht
adjective
a pair of prewashed jeans
bought a bag of prewashed spinach

prewash

2 of 2

adjective

pre·​wash ˈprē-ˌwȯsh How to pronounce prewash (audio)
-ˌwäsh,
 chiefly Midland also  -ˌwȯrsh,
 or  -ˌwärsh
variants or pre-wash
: done or used before washing something
a prewash stain remover
the machine's prewash cycle

Examples of prewash 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.
Verb
Another tip from Poole to prolong cleaning is to prewash your dishes and remove food residue prior to running the dishwasher. Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 25 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1926, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1902, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prewash was in 1902

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prewash.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prewash. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

prewash

verb
pre·​wash
(ˈ)prē-ˈwȯsh,
-ˈwäsh
: to wash beforehand
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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