noun
prelim
PREE-lihm
Prelim (noun) means a preliminary event, exam, or round that comes before the main one. Example: “She passed her prelims before starting the final year of her degree.”
noun
1
A preliminary event, exam, or round that comes before the main one.
"She passed her prelims before starting the final year of her degree."
"The undercard prelim fights started an hour before the main event."
How to use prelim
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA casual short form of "preliminary," usually meaning an early test or a warm-up match.
When to use it
Informal; common in student and sports slang.
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She passed her _____ before starting the final year of her degree.
Etymology
A shortened form of preliminary, originally Oxford University slang for a preliminary exam.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for prelim
See all rhymes for prelim →Frequently asked questions
What does “prelim” mean?
The word “prelim” means a preliminary event, exam, or round that comes before the main one. In plain terms, a casual short form of "preliminary," usually meaning an early test or a warm-up match.
How do you pronounce “prelim”?
“Prelim” is pronounced PREE-lihm (/priˈlɪm/ in IPA).
How do you use “prelim” in a sentence?
Here is “prelim” used in a sentence: “She passed her prelims before starting the final year of her degree.”
What part of speech is “prelim”?
“Prelim” is a noun.
