preindustrial

adjective

pre·​in·​dus·​tri·​al ˌprē-in-ˈdə-strē-əl How to pronounce preindustrial (audio)
variants or pre-industrial
1
: not having developed or adopted industry : not industrialized
preindustrial agrarian societies
preindustrial civilization
2
: occurring, existing, or originating before the development or adoption of industry
in preindustrial times
preindustrial levels of carbon dioxide
preindustrial artifacts
still made using preindustrial methods
also : resembling that of preindustrial times
a return to a preindustrial way of life

Examples of preindustrial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Paris Climate Agreement negotiated by the U.N. 10 years ago commits nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to levels that will keep long-term global temperatures from rising more than 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) above preindustrial levels. John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025 The Paris accord is aimed at limiting long-term global warming to 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit or, failing that, keeping temperatures at least well below 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit above preindustrial levels. David Keyton and Sibi Arasu, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2025 The landmark international treaty seek to limit rising global temperatures to 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels. Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 21 Jan. 2025 The agreement, signed under the Obama administration in 2015, comprises nearly 200 countries that aim to collaborate on keeping global surface temperature increases below 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels. Zack Budryk, The Hill, 20 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for preindustrial 

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of preindustrial was in 1883

Dictionary Entries Near preindustrial

Cite this Entry

“Preindustrial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preindustrial. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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