preseason

American  

[pree-see-zuhn] / ˈpriˌsi zən /

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 British  

/ 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

---

Etymology

Origin of preseason

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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

preseason

McVay said the current injury is separate from the preseason issue.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 19, 2026

Young, who was limited during training camp and the preseason because of a lingering knee injury, made one.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 13, 2026

In training camp, Mendoza has made some impressive throws, and others he’d like to have back, such as his second pass of the night in a preseason game against the Texans.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 9, 2026

Jaxson Dart left the preseason on just his third offensive snap after New York’s line failed to pick up a blitz, and that shakes confidence in the quarterback behind an uncertain front five.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 9, 2026

The first serious preseason practices began on Monday.

From "All American Boys" by Jason Reynolds