preparatory

adjective

pre·​pa·​ra·​to·​ry pri-ˈper-ə-ˌtȯr-ē 

also ˈpre-p(ə-)rə-, 

pri-ˈpa-rə- 

: preparing or serving to prepare for something : introductory

New employees receive preparatory training.

preparatorily

pri-ˌper-ə-ˈtȯr-ə-lē 

also ˌpre-p(ə-)rə-, 

pri-ˌpa-rə-

adverb

Synonyms of preparatory

• preliminary
• introductory

Examples of preparatory in a Sentence

There is a lot of preparatory work involved in teaching.

a preparatory investigation to see if there is enough evidence to warrant bringing charges

Recent Examples on the Web

It will also be used as a test-bed for long-term habitation and preparatory work for permanent bases. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 10 May 2026

The artist painted the mural singlehandedly, by hand, says the complaint, over many weeks, without preparatory sketches. — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 2 June 2026

Najib was the only one of the defendants who was arrested and present in person in court Sunday for a preparatory session in the trial, which will continue next month. — Ghaith Alsayed, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2026

Separate preparatory meetings with each side are set to take place in Doha this week, ahead of the official signing in Switzerland and the start of the technical talks, the diplomat said. — Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 15 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Latin praeparātōrius, from praeparāre "to prepare" + -tōrius, deverbal adjective suffix, originally in derivatives from agent nouns ending in -tōr-, -tor

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing preparatory

• preparatory school
• preparatory to

Rhymes for preparatory

• accusatory
• admonitory
• ambulatory
• amendatory
• celebratory
• circulatory
• combinatory
• commendatory
• compensatory
• condemnatory
• confirmatory
• confiscatory

Kids Definition

preparatory

adjective

pre·​pa·​ra·​to·​ry pri-ˈpar-ə-ˌtōr-ē  -ˌtȯr- 

: preparing or serving to prepare for something : introductory