preformat

verb

pre·​for·​mat ˌprē-ˈfȯr-ˌmat How to pronounce preformat (audio)
variants or pre-format
preformatted or pre-formatted; preformatting or pre-formatting

transitive verb

: to format (something) in advance
preformat a disc
The editing software preformats the page.
preformatted adjective
or pre-formatted
Renewals … are "passive"—state workers check income databases in advance and, if nothing has changed, send a preformatted form that a parent just signs and returns. Don Sapatkin

Word History

First Known Use

1983, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of preformat was in 1983

Dictionary Entries Near preformat

Cite this Entry

“Preformat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preformat. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.

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