predate

1 of 2

verb (1)

pre·​date (ˌ)prē-ˈdāt How to pronounce predate (audio)
predated; predating; predates

predate

2 of 2

verb (2)

pre·​date pri-ˈdāt How to pronounce predate (audio)
predated; predating; predates

transitive + intransitive

: to prey on (something or someone)
Animals predate other animals in nature, but that is hardly commensurate with a massive worldwide farming industry that breeds species purely for our purpose.Jenny Diski
Are high-profile men that sexually predate women finally starting to lose immunity?Alex McKinnon
All cats may predate but those living indoors have little opportunity to do so.Kevin Stafford
There are many species that predate on pigeons and doves.Revati

Examples of predate in a Sentence

Verb (1) modes of transportation that predate the car the native people who predated European settlers in America
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
The war between the Wolves and Scars predates the conflict between Abby and Ellie. Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025 Both these notions predate the end of the Cold War. A. Wess Mitchell, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025 This interpretation offers grunge accents and a casualness that predates the decade that inspired them by completing the outfit with a blouse that reinterprets the classic plaid flannel. Paulina Berges, Glamour, 20 Apr. 2025 The 4×4 better known as the Rambo Lambo—Sylvester Stallone was a fan of the vehicle during the peak of his movie stardom—was a burly beast that predates Lamborghini’s popular Urus SUV by nearly a quarter-century. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 14 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for predate

Word History

Etymology

Verb (2)

back-formation from predator or predatory

First Known Use

Verb (1)

1854, in the meaning defined above

Verb (2)

1941, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of predate was in 1854

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Predate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/predate. Accessed 15 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

predate

verb
pre·​date (ˈ)prē-ˈdāt How to pronounce predate (audio)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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