precast

American  

[pree-kast, -kahst] / priˈkæst, -ˈkɑst /

verb (used with object)

precast, precasting

1. to cast (a concrete block or slab, etc.) in a place other than where it is to be installed in a structure.

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adjective

1. (of a building or section) cast before being transported to the site of installation.

   a precast concrete roof.

precast British  

adjective

1. (esp of concrete when employed as a structural element in building) cast in a particular form before being used

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verb

1. (tr) to cast (concrete) in a particular form before use

Etymology

Origin of precast

First recorded in 1860–65; pre- + cast

Example Sentences

It rises in five mighty flights, tier upon tier, of precast concrete faced with terrazzo.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 17, 2025

You can use a steel collar, simple small boulders or precast concrete brick you might get at a home center.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 21, 2023

The lightweight form of precast concrete was used in many public sector buildings in the UK from the mid-1960s to the mid-1980s.

From BBC • Sep. 8, 2023

Using precast girders means the span can be constructed first on one side of the freeway and then the other, so traffic can be diverted in the wee hours to other lanes.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 21, 2023

Plus a giant turtle shell that turned out to be a precast fiberglass pond lining.

From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell