[1945–50; pre- + dawn]This word is first recorded in the period 1945–50. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: RNA, beeper, fail-safe, on-line, spin-offpre- is a prefix occurring originally in loanwords from Latin, where it meant “before”(preclude; prevent); applied freely as a prefix, with the meanings “prior to,” “in advance of,” “early,”“beforehand,” “before,” “in front of,” and with other figurative meanings (preschool; prewar; prepay: preoral; prefrontal)
Examples of 'predawn' in a sentence
predawn
It was only one day later that Orphan was wakened in the predawn hour by Oracle, who shook her and mumbled urgently into her ear.
Tepper, Sheri S. A PLAGUE OF ANGELS
The predawn burglary took place when only one guard was on duty.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
The genetic revolution in pharmaceuticals may be on the horizon, but science remains in the murky predawn.
The Scientist (2001)
From predawn scoff through full breakfasts and five-course lunch and evening meals, the grub just keeps coming.
The Sun (2008)
At 6ft 1in and 16 stone, the 49-year-old led a daily predawn workout for friends.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
By then we were already climbing after a predawn start, our torchlight glancing off the frozen stream.