preowned

American  

[pree-ohnd] / priˈoʊnd /

Or pre-owned

adjective

1. previously owned; used; secondhand.

   a sale of preowned furs.

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preowned British  

/ ˌpriːˈəʊnd /

adjective

1. euphemistic already used; second-hand

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Usage

What does preowned mean? Preowned refers to something that has been previously owned by someone else or has already had at least one previous owner. Preowned is sometimes spelled pre-owned. Preowned is a euphemism, which is a milder way to say something to make it less harsh or blunt. Preowned is typically used to describe something for sale to avoid calling it used or secondhand. A nicer way to say something was owned previously is to call it preloved. Example: I couldn’t afford a new car so I bought a preowned one.

Etymology

Origin of preowned

First recorded in 1960–65; pre- + own + -ed ²

Example Sentences

Still, sales trail 2021’s pandemic peak, when 497 preowned and 319 new vessels were sold.

From Barron's • Apr. 11, 2026

For watch brands, the preowned business is too big to ignore.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 26, 2025

When luxury watchmaker Audemars Piguet launched a preowned program and set the prices itself, it caused a backlash with consumers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 26, 2025

Monday, Ford Motor and Amazon announced External link that car buyers can shop for certified preowned Ford vehicles on Amazon Autos.

From Barron's • Nov. 17, 2025

That’s what everybody said as they flashed warm smiles and showed us their preowned clothing, Christmas decorations, jewelry, and whatnots.

From "March Forward, Girl" by Melba Pattillo Beals