prelims

British  

/ prəˈlɪmz, ˈpriːlɪmz /

plural noun

1. Also called: front matter.  the pages of a book, such as the title page and contents, before the main text

2. the first public examinations taken for the bachelor's degree in some universities

3. (in Scotland) the school examinations taken as practice before public examinations

---

Etymology

Origin of prelims

C19: a contraction of _{preliminaries}

Example Sentences

Sprinters headlined Friday’s prelims but it was the distance runners who played leading roles Saturday at Buchanan High School.

From Los Angeles Times

“My goal at state is to make the second day,” added Kensinger, whose best throw was 55-9 at City prelims last year.

From Los Angeles Times

Sitting in the Birmingham High bleachers wearing headphones before running the 400 meters at the City Section track and field prelims, 17-year-old senior Nathan Santa Cruz looks like a teenager comfortable and confident.

From Los Angeles Times

The Southern Section prelims will be held on Saturday at four sites.

From Los Angeles Times

The City prelims are scheduled for May 15 and the finals May 22.

From Los Angeles Times