prefabricate

verb

pre·​fab·​ri·​cate (ˌ)prē-ˈfa-bri-ˌkāt How to pronounce prefabricate (audio)
prefabricated; prefabricating; prefabricates

transitive verb

1
: to fabricate the parts of at a factory so that construction consists mainly of assembling and uniting standardized parts
2
: to produce artificially
prefabrication noun

Examples of prefabricate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The lodges are simple and prefabricated — no permanent new structures are allowed in the nature reserve — but well designed and positioned to make the most of mountain views. Sarah Moss, Travel + Leisure, 2 June 2023 For example, mobile homes and prefabricated homes are not anchored to the ground. Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 13 May 2023 Those include discussions of purchasing prefabricated tiny homes or repurposing modular buildings owned by the school district, expediting client intakes for public assistance programs, and drafting a resolution requesting financial help from the state. Zachariah Hughes, Anchorage Daily News, 20 Apr. 2023 The pieces are prefabricated within the space of two weeks. Kimberley Mok, Treehugger, 20 Apr. 2023 See all Example Sentences for prefabricate 

Word History

First Known Use

1932, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of prefabricate was in 1932

Dictionary Entries Near prefabricate

Cite this Entry

“Prefabricate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prefabricate. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

prefabricate

verb
pre·​fab·​ri·​cate (ˈ)prē-ˈfab-ri-ˌkāt How to pronounce prefabricate (audio)
: to manufacture the parts of something beforehand so that it can be built by putting the parts together
prefabrication noun

More from Merriam-Webster on prefabricate

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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