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.

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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

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Etymology

Origin of preseason

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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

preseason

Doncic, who didn’t get any votes from NBA general managers when asked in a preseason survey who they thought would win the MVP, said he’s determined to step up on defense for his team.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 7, 2026

Baltimore joins the Eagles, Cowboys and the dismal Chargers on the list of preseason favorites spiraling toward the draft.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 2, 2026

After college, he joined the NFL as a defensive back for the Houston Oilers, but a knee injury in preseason training ended his athletic career.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 26, 2026

Williams emerged as a winner of the competitive preseason.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 22, 2026

I stuck around and claimed I wanted to get my head in the space, claimed I had some preseason ritual, which they all bought, filtering out one by one.

From "Tradition" by Brendan Kiely

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