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

Almost nobody predicted this year’s matchup back in the preseason, when Wembanyama hadn’t yet reached the playoffs and the Knicks’ Finals drought was old enough to rent a car.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 31, 2026

There will also be some games that will drag on like a Jets preseason exhibition.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

Sun Valley Poly 11, Sylmar 9: The Parrots improved to 3-0 in the Valley Mission League with a huge win over preseason favorite Sylmar.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2026

Both teams lost in the Open Division semifinals last winter and were the preseason favorites to play for the title this season.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 28, 2026

“I know you’re in preseason training, but I'm going to talk to Coach about scheduling in some tutoring time. I'm not going to be the guy who gave you an F and made you ineligible.”

From "Tradition" by Brendan Kiely