preform

verb pre·form \ ˈprē-ˌfȯrm , (ˌ)prē-ˈfȯrm \

Updated on: 11 Apr 2018

Definition of preform

transitive verb

1 : to form or shape beforehand

2 : to bring to approximate preliminary shape and size

—

preform

play \ˈprē-ˌfȯrm\ noun

Recent Examples of preform from the Web

The king of grunge proposed to his longtime partner, Charly Defrancesco last night in a Chipotle (yes, the burrito place) after a flash mob preformed for the couple.

— sarah spellings, The Cut, "Marc Jacobs Proposed to His Partner With a Flash Mob in a Chipotle," 5 Apr. 2018
Epic Players, a theater group, preformed the honors.

— hamza shaban and renae merle, chicagotribune.com, "Spotify's stock falls from $165.90 opening price," 3 Apr. 2018
Epic Players, a theater group, preformed the honors.

— BostonGlobe.com, "Spotify debuts with a boom, opening at $165.90," 3 Apr. 2018
The 21-story Hilton Palacio del Rio was built in 202 days, using a crane to lift preformed, furnished room modules into place.

— scott huddleston, San Antonio Express-News, "HemisFair ’68 transformed the city," 31 Mar. 2018
The year-over-year gains in both categories were stronger than overall 9.1% growth for durable goods, suggesting the metal sector is preforming better than other factories in the U.S. this year.

— eric morath, WSJ, "Demand for Long-Lasting U.S. Factory Goods Rise at Best Rate Since June," 23 Mar. 2018
The 25th Amendment is about what takes place should the president or vice president have to be replaced in the case of a death, a resignation, removal, or their inability to preform their duties .

— brittney mcnamara, Teen Vogue, "What the 25th Amendment Says," 9 Jan. 2018
The lab will preform genetic engineering using a virus and will have the cells multiply before freezing them and shipping back to the hospital, where they will be given to the patient via an IV.

— natalie dreier, ajc, "FDA approves new leukemia treatment, costs $475k," 31 Aug. 2017
On Tuesday, Grohl will follow with guests Kristen Bell and Alice Cooper, who will also preform.

— bryn elise sandberg, The Hollywood Reporter, "Jennifer Lawrence, Channing Tatum Among 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' Guest Hosts," 30 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'preform.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of preform

Latin praeformare, from prae- + formare to form, from forma form

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1601

See Words from the same year

Learn More about preform

See words that rhyme with preform Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about preform

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up preform? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

preform

Definition of preform

preform

Recent Examples of preform from the Web

Origin and Etymology of preform

Learn More about preform

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

grudging

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

Words from Letters in the Greek Alphabet

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Words We're Watching: 'Bluebeard,' the Verb

Where 'Cliff-hangers' Come From

Ask the Editors

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

Words of the Year: 1066

Literally

Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

Word Games

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

More Confusing Words—Quiz

Spell It

Add Diction

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Trending: Trump: Den of Thieves and 'Lowlifes'

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

preform

Definition of preform

preform

Recent Examples of preform from the Web

Origin and Etymology of preform

Learn More about preform

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Trending: Trump: Den of Thieves and 'Lowlifes'

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes