preseason

[pree-see-zuhn]

noun

1. a period before the season, especially the period of time in organized sports when athletes train and practice for the regular season: Deer hunters set aside time in the preseason to repair and maintain their stands, set trail cameras, and clear branches or brush from shooting lanes.

   As a professional athlete, I just try not to get injured in the preseason.

   Deer hunters set aside time in the preseason to repair and maintain their stands, set trail cameras, and clear branches or brush from shooting lanes.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or occurring in the preseason: The resort offers discounted preseason ski passes in November.

   Some of the coaching staff was replaced after an embarrassing preseason loss to the weakest team in the league.

   The resort offers discounted preseason ski passes in November.

verb (used with object)

1. to season (food) with condiments, spices, herbs, or the like before it is packaged or cooked.

   Preseason the roast with a teaspoon of salt per pound of meat several hours before grilling it.

preseason

/ ˈpriːˌsiːzən /

noun

1. 1. the period immediately before the official season for a particular sport begins

   2. ( as modifier )

      a series of preseason friendly matches

Word History and Origins

Origin of preseason¹

An Americanism dating back to 1890–95; pre- ( def. ) + season ( def. )

Example Sentences

The top pick in the 2009 NFL draft has seemingly recovered from a back issue that sidelined him for all of training camp and several weeks of preseason practices.

From Los Angeles Times

Keep an eye on Jacksonville kicker Cam Little, who made a 70-yard field goal in a preseason game; the record long is 66 yards by Justin Tucker in a 2021 game.

From Los Angeles Times

Detroit looked shaky in the preseason with some coaching turnover and new play-callers.

From Los Angeles Times

Najee Harris, who missed the preseason and training camp because an eye injury he sustained in a fireworks accident, could play in the Chargers’ season opener.

From Los Angeles Times

Rookie Marlowe Wax was spectacular in the preseason finale against San Francisco, making key tackles all over the place, so it will be worth watching whether he can continue that production when it counts.

From Los Angeles Times