spring training

American  

noun

1. a program of physical exercise, practice, and exhibition games followed by a baseball team in the late winter and early spring, before the start of the regular season.

2. the period during which such a program takes place, usually from the beginning of March until the middle of April.

---

Etymology

Origin of spring training

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900

Example Sentences

Pitchers and catchers report to spring training on Feb. 13, while Tucker and the rest of the Dodgers will report to Camelback Ranch on Feb. 17.

From Los Angeles Times

Santa Margarita’s Brody Schumaker, who had eight bunt singles last season, will be asked by his father, Skip, the new manager of the Texas Rangers, to show off his bunting skills at spring training.

From Los Angeles Times

They won’t report to Florida for spring training for another two months.

From The Wall Street Journal

Edman’s recovery will likely leave him limited at the start of spring training, but the team does not “expect it to affect a meaningful part of the season,” Gomes added.

From Los Angeles Times

The family lived in a cottage nearby and befriended members of the Brooklyn Dodgers, who stayed at the inn for spring training during World War II.

From The Wall Street Journal