preparatory

adjective

pre·​pa·​ra·​to·​ry pri-ˈper-ə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce preparatory (audio)
 also  ˈpre-p(ə-)rə-,
pri-ˈpa-rə- How to pronounce preparatory (audio)
: preparing or serving to prepare for something : introductory
preparatorily
pri-ˌper-ə-ˈtȯr-ə-lē How to pronounce preparatory (audio)
 also  ˌpre-p(ə-)rə-
pri-ˌpa-rə-
adverb

Examples of preparatory in a Sentence

There is a lot of preparatory work involved in teaching. a preparatory investigation to see if there is enough evidence to warrant bringing charges
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
There was also the dismantling of a temporary stand, plus the all-important deactivation of a live electric cable underneath the old Kop, as preparatory work continues ahead of the new 7,500-capacity stand starting to go up, on schedule, in the autumn. Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2025 Prevention of these atrocities is a faraway goal with little to no preparatory work being undertaken by States. Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025 To prepare for the frigid waters of Antarctica, Wigginton, a master scuba diver, plans to conduct some preparatory dives in Lake Huron at 60-90 feet, where water temperature is similar to the 25-foot goal in Antarctica. Lara Terpstra, Freep.com, 4 Aug. 2025 According to a Reuters report released Thursday, the U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB), the federal regulatory agency overseeing railroads, are already conducting preparatory work in anticipation of a possible two deals. Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 25 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for preparatory

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Latin praeparātōrius, from praeparāre "to prepare" + -tōrius, deverbal adjective suffix, originally in derivatives from agent nouns ending in -tōr-, -tor

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of preparatory was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Preparatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preparatory. Accessed 24 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

preparatory

adjective
pre·​pa·​ra·​to·​ry pri-ˈpar-ə-ˌtōr-ē How to pronounce preparatory (audio) -ˌtȯr- How to pronounce preparatory (audio)
: preparing or serving to prepare for something : introductory

More from Merriam-Webster on preparatory

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!