# predefined

/ˌpɹidɪˈfaɪnd/ (US) · /pɹˌiːdɪfˈaɪnd/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/predefined
Updated: 2026-10-15

## Definition

decided or set before something starts, so you do not choose it later.

For teachers: established or fixed in advance, before use or occurrence. Often describes values, limits, or categories fixed by a system or authority.

## Examples

- The phone has predefined ringtones you can choose from.
- New players start with predefined characters before they learn to create their own.
- The study used predefined criteria to select participants, ensuring results remained consistent across different research teams.

## Usage notes

- Typically placed before the noun it modifies.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.