pre·form
ˈprē-ˌfȯrm 
(ˌ)prē-ˈfȯrm
preformed; preforming; preforms
1
: to form or shape beforehand
2
: to bring to approximate preliminary shape and size
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
Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2025
Hundreds of square silicone microchips were embedded in a polymer preform to create the fiber, and by controlling the polymer flow during manufacture, the team was able to ensure continuous electrical connection among the microchips in a fiber tens of meters long.
—Ars Technica, 26 Feb. 2025
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
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
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
Hundreds of square silicone microchips were embedded in a polymer preform to create the fiber, and by controlling the polymer flow during manufacture, the team was able to ensure continuous electrical connection among the microchips in a fiber tens of meters long.
—Ars Technica, 26 Feb. 2025
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
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
Cite this Entry
“Preform.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preform. Accessed 28 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share