pretrial

American  

[pree-trahy-uhl, -trahyl] / priˈtraɪ əl, -ˈtraɪl /

noun

1. a proceeding held by a judge, arbitrator, etc., before a trial to simplify the issues of law and fact and stipulate certain matters between the parties, in order to expedite justice and curtail costs at the trial.

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adjective

1. of or relating to such a proceeding.

2. done, occurring, etc., prior to a trial.

   pretrial publicity.

Etymology

Origin of pretrial

First recorded in 1935–40; pre- + trial

Example Sentences

Because she’s on pretrial probation, the federal government has seized her passport.

From Salon • Apr. 15, 2026

There are thousands of individual suits like the California case, many of which have been consolidated in federal court for pretrial discovery.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

Many of the large monopoly claims were thrown out during a pretrial hearing with Judge Subramanian last month, including an allegation that Live Nation’s industry power raises ticket prices and harms consumers.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 3, 2026

One guest noticed a picture of a young Wasserman with a pretrial O.J.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 21, 2026

It’s unclear how Tate was able to persuade Holman’s warden to house two pretrial detainees on death row, although Tate knew people at the prison from his days as a probation officer.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson