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.
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
The first direct negotiations between the two states since 1993 are intended as preparatory meetings to shape future talks on a deal to normalize ties between the countries. —
David Brennan, ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026 Because the images rotate at a screen-saver pace, my advice would be to focus on the preparatory drawings and cartoons, which are like sparks thrown off some great, beautiful machine. —Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026 The new moon in Aries puts you in preparatory mode. —Usa Today, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2026 That vision also includes preparatory work, through robotic landings in the general region of the lunar south pole, targeted to happen as often as once a month starting in 2027. —Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 14 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for preparatory
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
David Brennan, ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026 Because the images rotate at a screen-saver pace, my advice would be to focus on the preparatory drawings and cartoons, which are like sparks thrown off some great, beautiful machine. —Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026 The new moon in Aries puts you in preparatory mode. —Usa Today, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2026 That vision also includes preparatory work, through robotic landings in the general region of the lunar south pole, targeted to happen as often as once a month starting in 2027. —Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 14 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for preparatory
Cite this Entry
“Preparatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/dictionary/preparatory. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
preparatory
adjective
pre·pa·ra·to·ry pri-ˈpar-ə-ˌtōr-ē -ˌtȯr-
-ˌtȯr-
: preparing or serving to prepare for something : introductory
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