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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

preowned

Sales declined in the company’s videogames segment and preowned and refurbished division, offsetting growth in collectibles.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 8, 2026

LAS VEGAS—At a Max Pawn Luxury shop near the Las Vegas Strip, a glass case full of preowned Hermès Birkin bags catches the eye of a Texan looking to buy luxury goods.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 6, 2026

The certified preowned business—where manufacturers offer warranties, extensive repairs and other assurances on used vehicles—is also booming well beyond its luxury-car roots.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 6, 2026

The auto maker didn’t respond to a request for comment about its preowned Cybertruck inventory.

From Barron's ● Jun. 3, 2026

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

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