prefabricate

American  

[pree-fab-ri-keyt] / priˈfæb rɪˌkeɪt /

verb (used with object)

prefabricated, prefabricating

1. to fabricate or construct beforehand.

2. to manufacture in standardized parts or sections ready for quick assembly and erection, as buildings.

---

prefabricate British  

/ priːˈfæbrɪˌkeɪt /

verb

1. (tr) to manufacture sections of (a building), esp in a factory, so that they can be easily transported to and rapidly assembled on a building site

---

Other Word Forms

• prefabricated adjective
• prefabrication noun
• prefabricator noun
• unprefabricated adjective

Etymology

Origin of prefabricate

First recorded in 1930–35; pre- + fabricate

Example Sentences

To reduce ambulance queues, prefabricated structures were converted into a permanent unit with 14 beds - all are full during the BBC's visit.

From BBC

In its purest sense, the memorial is a “ready-made” work of art consisting of prefabricated components that he plans to present in a new context.

From Los Angeles Times

The ship carried about 4,000 tons of supplies to isolated Inuit communities along the coast, including prefabricated houses, construction materials and vehicles.

From The Wall Street Journal

The third iteration of the clubhouse, modeled after The Reform Club in London, is built around a prefabricated steel frame imported from the U.K., and reassembled here.

From The Wall Street Journal

Eight schools, including Orba, must be rebuilt, and students began the new year in prefabricated classrooms.

From Barron's

Related Words

• assemble
• construct
• create
• found
• hoist
• initiate
• mount
• organize
• put up
• raise
• set up
• stand