preform

1 of 2

verb

pre·​form ˈprē-ˌfȯrm 

(ˌ)prē-ˈfȯrm

preformed; preforming; preforms

transitive verb

1

: to form or shape beforehand

2

: to bring to approximate preliminary shape and size

preform

2 of 2

noun

pre·​form ˈprē-ˌfȯrm 

plural preforms

: 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

Noun

This preform is then heated and stretched, much like molten plastic, to produce thin fibers that retain the same intricate internal structure. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2025

Think of pulling on a wad of gum in your mouth – that thin strand is like the fiber, except scientists slowly lower the big preform into the furnace and pull out the small fiber quickly. — John Ballato, The Conversation, 24 Mar. 2026

In a nutshell, researchers placed hundreds of square silicon microscale digital chips into a preform that created a polymer fiber. — Eric Tegler, Forbes, 17 June 2021

Inside the facility, a rotary forge turns red-hot preform hunks of steel and alloy, using mechanical hammers to draw out precise shapes and contours. — Hope Hodge Seck, Popular Mechanics, 21 Aug. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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

First Known Use

Verb

1601, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1931, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for preform

• brainstorm
• conform
• deform
• firestorm
• hailstorm
• inform
• landform
• lukewarm
• perform
• planform
• platform
• rainstorm