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

Prince Gabriel, 22, completed a one-year preparatory course at the National Mathematics & Science College in England before graduating from the Royal Military Academy of Belgium. — Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 27 July 2026

The Western Cape High Court judgment on Friday does not stop the impeachment committee from doing other preparatory work for the pending proceedings. — ABC News, 24 July 2026

Your ambitions can benefit from preparatory maneuvering today. — Usa Today, USA Today, 19 July 2026

As economist and Opportunity@Work founder Byron Auguste has noted, when policymakers, employers and parents all realized that the shifting job landscape required a different preparatory path, states passed compulsory education laws. — Tim Knowles, Fortune, 8 July 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