spring training

American  

noun

1. a program of physical exercise, practice, and exhibition games followed by a baseball team in the late winter and early spring, before the start of the regular season.

2. the period during which such a program takes place, usually from the beginning of March until the middle of April.

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Etymology

Origin of spring training

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

spring training

Raleigh was one of many star players who left spring training in the middle to participate in the World Baseball Classic.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 7, 2026

You may remember what Angels owner Arte Moreno said in spring training: “The number one thing fans want is affordability.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 29, 2026

Remember how Roger Clemens used to wander back to baseball after letting the rest of those suckers suffer through spring training and the early schedule?

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 24, 2026

Alfonzo’s familiarity with the Dodgers’ pitching staff from spring training has helped provide some stability in Smith’s absence.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 20, 2026

Merkle and I worked out a play during the spring training season in 1911 which caught perhaps a dozen men off first base before the other teams began to watch for the trick.

From Pitching in a Pinch or, Baseball from the Inside by Christy Mathewson