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. )

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

preseason

The only consistent tournament has been the Women’s Baseball World Cup, with the U.S. going undefeated in group play this week in Rockford ahead of the WPBL’s quick week of preseason practices.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 31, 2026

The Lakers announced their preseason schedule Tuesday with the five-game slate beginning Oct.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 21, 2026

The Lakers’ first home preseason game is Oct.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 21, 2026

Obrokta watched his son at preseason practices alongside dozens of talented transfers with a sense of satisfaction, he recalled.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 28, 2026

It wasn’t even an official game—it was a preseason scrimmage—but the stands around the rink, the three quarters designated for Fullbrook fans, were jam-packed.

From "Tradition" by Brendan Kiely