preconception

noun

pre·​con·​cep·​tion ˌprē-kən-ˈsep-shən How to pronounce preconception (audio)
1
: a preconceived idea
2

Examples of preconception in a Sentence

I came to the lecture without any preconceptions. tried to go into the training sessions without any preconceptions
Recent Examples on the Web Yes, tarot card readings can indeed be the driving force of movies like the summer horror hit Tarot, and some people may want to associate them with the scary preconceptions that accompany Ouija boards. Tim Lammers, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024 These questions need to be asked in a variety of ways to determine if the potential jurors have any strong feelings or preconceptions resulting from the negative media coverage of Madigan and all of the related criminal cases covered by the news media. Brett Rowland | The Center Square, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 6 Sep. 2024 Art ought to be something alive that can speak for itself, freely and without preconceptions. Simon Njami, Artforum, 16 Apr. 2024 Some of the changes — including cortical volume and thickness — remained two years after birth, whereas others reverted to levels similar to those of the preconception period by roughly two months postpartum. Kristen Rogers, CNN, 16 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for preconception 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'preconception.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1625, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of preconception was in 1625

Dictionary Entries Near preconception

Cite this Entry

“Preconception.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preconception. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

preconception

adjective
pre·​con·​cep·​tion -kən-ˈsep-shən How to pronounce preconception (audio)
: occurring prior to conception
preconception genetic counseling

More from Merriam-Webster on preconception

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!