something that serves as a preceding event or introduces what follows; "training is a necessary preliminary to employment"; "drinks were the overture to dinner"
a minor match preceding the main event
designed to orient or acquaint with a situation before proceeding; "a preliminary investigation"
a jointly owned commercial enterprise (usually organized by farmers or consumers) that produces and distributes goods and services and is run for the benefit of its owners
an association formed and operated for the benefit of those using it
done with or working with others for a common purpose or benefit; "a cooperative effort"
the act or process of drawing up plans or layouts for some project or enterprise
an act of formulating a program for a definite course of action; "the planning was more fun than the trip itself"
the cognitive process of thinking about what you will do in the event of something happening; "his planning for retirement was hindered by several uncertainties"
a major social class or order of persons regarded collectively as part of the body politic of the country and formerly possessing distinct political rights
extensive landed property (especially in the country) retained by the owner for his own use; "the family owned a large estate on Long Island"
everything you own; all of your assets (whether real property or personal property) and liabilities
something that is found; "the findings in the gastrointestinal tract indicate that he died several hours after dinner"; "an area rich in archaeological findings"