<p><strong>Adjective</strong></p><ul><li>preceding and leading up to the main part, matter, or business; introductory; preparatory: preliminary examinations</li></ul><p><strong>Synonyms</strong></p><ul><li>prefatory</li></ul><p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>something preliminary, as an introductory or preparatory step, measure, contest, etc.: He passed the preliminary and went on to the finals</li><li>a boxing match or other athletic contest that takes place before the main event on the program: A preliminary was fought at 8:00</li><li>a preliminary examination, as of a candidate for an academic degree</li><li>preliminaries, Printing: front matter</li></ul>