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.

These adjectives mean going before and preparing the way for something else: a preliminary investigation; introductory remarks; an author's prefatory notes; preparatory steps.

Definition of preliminary adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

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

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

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.