predawn

American  

[pree-dawn, pree-] / priˈdɔn, ˈpri- /

noun

1. the period immediately preceding dawn.

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adjective

1. noting the time immediately prior to dawn.

Etymology

Origin of predawn

First recorded in 1945–50; pre- + dawn

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

predawn

The peak takes place overnight on 12 August into the predawn hours of 13 August.

From BBC ● Jul. 26, 2026

She assumed office this year after U.S. forces swooped into the capital in a predawn raid on Jan. 3 and arrested her predecessor, Nicolás Maduro.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 25, 2026

President Rodrigo Paz on Saturday appeared in a predawn televised address to warn protesters they would face "the full force of the law" as he moved to end the crisis.

From Barron's ● Jun. 20, 2026

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said that "in two predawn operations today, the Coast Guard conducted back-to-back meticulously co-ordinated boarding of two 'ghost fleet' tanker ships".

From BBC ● Jan. 7, 2026

So it came to pass that at 4:45 a.m. on Saturday, April 13, I found myself at the foot of the fabled Icefall, strapping on my crampons in the frigid predawn gloom.

From "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer