plural preliminaries
Definition of preliminary
(Entry 1 of 2)
: something that precedes or is introductory or preparatory: such as
a
: a preliminary scholastic examination
c
: a preliminary heat or trial (as of a race)
d
: a minor match preceding the main event (as of a boxing card)
preliminary
adjectiveDefinition of preliminary (Entry 2 of 2)
: coming before and usually forming a necessary prelude to something else
preliminary studies preliminary results
Test Your Vocabulary
Which Word Does Not Belong?
-
- Which of these words does not mean "nonsense"?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!
TAKE THE QUIZ
A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share preliminary
Time Traveler for preliminary
The first known use of preliminary was in 1656
See more words from the same year