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

Iamaleava said he went into preseason camp still learning the playbook.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2026

ABC had aired a preseason special episode after the Oscars on Sunday, called “Before the First Rose,” in which nearly every previous Bachelorette gathered at the Bachelor Mansion to welcome Paul and give her advice.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 21, 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

The phenomenon is common during preseason practices that begin in late summer and can be worse among linemen and other players whose larger frames have a harder time cooling off.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026

He was drafted in the first round but blew out his knee in preseason.

From "Shelter (Book One): A Mickey Bolitar Novel" by Harlan Coben