preprimary

adjective

ˌprē-ˈprī-ˌmer-ē How to pronounce preprimary (audio)
-ˈprī-mə-rē,
-ˈprīm-rē
variants or pre-primary
1
: of, relating to, or being the period in a child's life or education that ordinarily precedes attendance at primary school
preprimary children
preprimary schools/education
Preprimary programs are groups or classes that are organized to provide educational experiences for children and include kindergarten and preschool programs.National Center for Education Statistics
2
: occurring prior to a political primary (see primary entry 2 sense 5b)
made a preprimary speech

Word History

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of preprimary was in 1903

Dictionary Entries Near preprimary

Cite this Entry

“Preprimary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preprimary. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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