prewash

1 of 2

verb

pre·​wash ˌprē-ˈwȯsh 

-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 

-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 

-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

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1926, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1902, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

prewash

verb

pre·​wash

(ˈ)prē-ˈwȯsh,

-ˈwäsh

: to wash beforehand