ˈprɛfəˌtori,
British ˈprɛfətri
always used before a noun
formal
: included at the beginning of a book, speech, etc., as an introduction
The speaker made some prefatory remarks.
Each chapter in the book has a prefatory quotation.
Cite this Entry
“Prefatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/prefatory. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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