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preform

verb
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pre·​form | \ ˈprē-ˌfȯrm How to pronounce preform (audio) , (ˌ)prē-ˈfȯrm \
preformed; preforming; preforms

Definition of preform

 (Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to form or shape beforehand
2 : to bring to approximate preliminary shape and size

preform

noun
pre·​form | \ ˈprē-ˌfȯrm How to pronounce preform (audio) \
plural preforms

Definition of preform (Entry 2 of 2)

: any of various objects of manufacture or handicraft after preliminary shaping: such as
a : a rough gemstone that has been cut to approximately its finished size and shape
b : a tube produced for the purpose of being molded into a particular form (such as a bottle)

Examples of preform in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb Ricketts also vetoed a bill that would have increased occupational licensing requirements on people who preform manicures and pedicures on natural nails. — Grant Schulte, Star Tribune, "Nebraska governor vetoes death penalty transparency bill," 17 Aug. 2020 For example, feelings related to fear, such as horror or terror, are cognitively assembled conceptions of one’s situation, rather than preformed, innate mental states inherited from animals. — Dean Mobbs, Scientific American, "On the Nature of Fear," 20 Sep. 2019 But the Hunter for Target line is mass-produced in a factory, using a preformed mold. — Abha Bhattarai, chicagotribune.com, "Upscale, downscale: Target draws customers with collaborations with high-end brands," 16 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

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.

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First Known Use of preform

Verb

1601, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1931, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for preform

Verb

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

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Time Traveler for preform

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The first known use of preform was in 1601

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Cite this Entry

“Preform.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preform. Accessed 28 Nov. 2020.

More from Merriam-Webster on preform

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about preform

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