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

Within Orthodox circles in Argentina, preparatory stages for conversion may take place in the country, but the beit din, or rabbinical court, that validates them operates in Israel. —Juan Melamed, Sun Sentinel, 21 Jan. 2026

Countries have been working through many of those questions at preparatory meetings, with a final session scheduled for late March. —Annika Hammerschlag, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2026

That three-story building has been stabilized with temporary supports since a portion of an interior ceiling caved in last summer during preparatory work. —Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 15 Jan. 2026

The team will first play a preparatory series in Sri Lanka which begins in two weeks’ time. —Dominic Fifield, New York Times, 8 Jan. 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