preparatory

adjective

pre·​pa·​ra·​to·​ry pri-ˈper-ə-ˌtȯr-ē 

also ˈpre-p(ə-)rə-, 

pri-ˈpa-rə- 

: preparing or serving to prepare for something : introductory

New employees receive preparatory training.

preparatorily

pri-ˌper-ə-ˈtȯr-ə-lē 

also ˌpre-p(ə-)rə-, 

pri-ˌpa-rə-

adverb

Synonyms of preparatory

• preliminary
• introductory

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

The board then held another vote on September 15, seemingly indicating the insufficiency of the first one, and, says the filing, preparatory materials were provided to participants just three days before. — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 2 Nov. 2026

The Finnish Licensing and Supervision Authority ordered Google to halt preparatory activities at Muhos and the Otanmaki site near Kajaani. — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2026

Canaletto expert Charles Beddington authenticated the drawing, which was likely a preparatory sketch for a painting last sold in 1995 for $354,000 (about $766,000 in today’s dollars). — News Desk, Artforum, 15 Oct. 2026

Chinese, Russian troops train together The PLA contingent traveled to Russia by road, rail and air and participated in the preparatory phase alongside forces from Russia, Belarus, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia and Tajikistan. — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 4 Oct. 2026

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

Phrases Containing preparatory

• preparatory school
• preparatory to

Rhymes for preparatory

• accusatory
• admonitory
• ambulatory
• amendatory
• celebratory
• circulatory
• combinatory
• commendatory
• compensatory
• condemnatory
• confirmatory
• confiscatory

Kids Definition

preparatory

adjective

pre·​pa·​ra·​to·​ry pri-ˈpar-ə-ˌtōr-ē  -ˌtȯr- 

: preparing or serving to prepare for something : introductory