1. done as preparation: done in preparation for something else, as a preparation for something, or to make something ready preparatory design work
2. introductory: acting as an introduction to something preparatory remarks before a news conference
3. U.S. preparing for college: relating to or engaged in a course of study that prepares students for advanced education, especially college Most of my classes this year are college preparatory.
[15th century. < medieval Latin praeparatorius< praeparator "preparer" < Latin praeparari (see prepare)]
