Preliminary means something that comes before something else. If you want to run in the race, you have to place in the top third of the preliminary round. It can also mean "early" — the …

PRELIMINARY definition: 1. coming before a more important action or event, especially introducing or preparing for it: 2…. Learn more.

pre•lim′i•nar′i•ly, adv. 1. prefatory. Preliminary, introductory both refer to that which comes before the principal subject of consideration.

Definition of preliminary adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

These adjectives mean going before and preparing the way for something else: a preliminary investigation; introductory remarks; an author's prefatory notes; preparatory steps.

There are six meanings listed in OED's entry for the word preliminary, one of which is labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

The meaning of PRELIMINARY is coming before and usually forming a necessary prelude to something else. How to use preliminary in a sentence.