prelim

noun or adjective

pre·​lim ˈprē-ˌlim How to pronounce prelim (audio)
pri-ˈlim
Synonyms of prelimnext
: preliminary

Synonyms of prelim

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Examples of prelim in a Sentence

a medical assistant had done all of the prelim work before the physician even walked into the examining room
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The meet begins with prelims on Friday. — Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 28 May 2026 Haugland's first prelim races are on Monday. — Derek James, CBS News, 17 June 2026 Saturday’s prelims in Yorba Linda added more data to the growing push to keep biological males out of girls’ events. — Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 9 May 2026 Which Indiana marching bands will compete in BOA Grand Nationals prelims? — Eunice Yoon, CNBC, 30 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prelim

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prelim was in 1891

Rhymes for prelim

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Browse Nearby Words

prelife
prelim
preliminarily
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Cite this Entry

“Prelim.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prelim. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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