preprint
nounPronunciation: /ˈpriːprɪnt/
A version of a scholarly paper that precedes formal peer review and publication. It is typically shared publicly to receive feedback and establish priority of research findings.
Full Definition
A preprint is a complete draft of a research paper that is made publicly available before undergoing formal peer review or acceptance by a journal. Researchers share preprints to disseminate their findings quickly, establish priority, receive community feedback, and increase visibility of their work. Preprints are commonly hosted on dedicated servers like arXiv, bioRxiv, or institutional repositories. While not yet peer-reviewed, preprints undergo basic screening for scientific merit and ethical compliance before posting.
Plain English
An early version of a research paper that scientists share online before it gets officially reviewed and published in a journal.
In Editorial Context
A manuscript submission that bypasses traditional editorial gatekeeping to enable rapid dissemination, requiring different editorial considerations around version control, citation practices, and quality assurance.
Etymology & History
Emerged in physics with NIH Information Exchange Groups and later formalized with arXiv in 1991 to enable rapid scientific communication.
Originally referred to physical papers circulated before publication; now predominantly digital and encompasses broader disciplines beyond physics.
Usage
"The library's institutional repository now accepts preprints to support faculty in rapid dissemination of research findings."
Usage note: Should not be confused with accepted manuscripts or final published versions; citation practices vary by discipline.
Context: scholarly publishing, open science, repository management
Region: international
Also known as
Contrasted with
Don't confuse with
Postprints are the accepted version after peer review, while preprints precede formal review.