The meaning of PRELIMINARY is coming before and usually forming a necessary prelude to something else. How to use preliminary in a sentence.

PRELIMINARY definition: 1. coming before a more important action or event, especially introducing or preparing for it: 2…. Learn more.

pre•lim′i•nar′i•ly, adv. 1. prefatory. Preliminary, introductory both refer to that which comes before the principal subject of consideration.

Examples from the Corpus preliminary • This is a move that immediately suggests a preliminary to political blackmail. • The official opening is in September, but preliminaries include a showing of …

Preliminary means something that comes before something else. If you want to run in the race, you have to place in the top third of the preliminary round. It can also mean "early" — the preliminary results …

There are six meanings listed in OED's entry for the word preliminary, one of which is labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

Master the word "PRELIMINARY" in English: definitions, translations, synonyms, pronunciations, examples, and grammar insights - all in one complete resource.

Dec 27, 2025 · Noun preliminary (plural preliminaries) A preparation for a main matter; an introduction.

preliminary definition: happening before and preparing for something important. Check meanings, examples, usage tips, pronunciation, domains, and related words. Discover expressions like …

Done or created in advance of a more complete or final version. See example sentences, synonyms, and etymology for the adjective preliminary.