Standard Lemma guide

preclearance

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

A procedure to arrange for clearing customs or immigration in advance.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: countable, uncountable

Examples

  • The customs service announced new preclearance regulations last week.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

Advance approval by a federal court or the Department of Justice for changes to voting regulations in certain states under the 1965 Voting Rights Act.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: US, countable, uncountable

Topics: law

Examples

  • The great state of Alabama believes that preclearance is a relic of the past.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *per- Proto-Indo-European *preh2- Proto-Indo-European *-i Proto-Indo-European *préh2i? Proto-Italic *prai Proto-Italic *prai- Latin prae-lbor. Middle English pre- English pre- English clearance English preclearance From pre- + clearance.