prɪˈlɪməˌneri 
British prɪˈlɪmənri
: coming before the main part of something
Preliminary findings/studies/tests show that the drug could help patients with skin cancer.
The preliminary [=early] results of the experiment are encouraging.
a preliminary hearing
The team was eliminated in the preliminary round of the tournament.
research that is preliminary to the study
plural preliminaries
1
: something that comes first in order to prepare for or introduce the main part of something else
—often + to
There will be a short briefing about topics to be discussed as a preliminary to the meeting.
—usually pluralThere were the usual preliminaries before the ceremony.
2
: a game that is played before the main part of a competition to decide which players or teams will be allowed to continue playing
—usually plural
the World Cup preliminaries
Cite this Entry
“Preliminary.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/preliminary. Accessed 2 Jun. 2026.
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