Prefabricated means built or manufactured in sections at a factory, then transported and assembled at the final location. Instead of constructing something piece by piece on site, workers make large parts ahead of time in a controlled environment.

Think of it like building with LEGO sets versus making your own custom creation. With LEGOs, someone already manufactured the pieces in a factory; you just snap them together. Prefabricated buildings work similarly. A company builds wall, roof, and floor sections in a warehouse, then trucks them to where the building will stand. Workers bolt or connect these big pieces together, and within days, you have a complete structure.

Prefabrication offers several advantages. Factory conditions mean better quality control: no rain delays, consistent temperatures, and specialized equipment. It's usually faster and cheaper than traditional construction. Schools, offices, homes, and even bridges can be prefabricated.

You might see it shortened to prefab, especially when describing homes: “They bought a prefab cabin for their lakeside property.” During World War II, the military used prefabricated buildings extensively because they could be assembled quickly wherever troops needed shelter. Today, prefabrication represents smart, efficient construction that doesn't sacrifice quality for speed.