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

See Examples For:

spring training

It was only Snell’s second start of the season, after a late build-up in spring training because of shoulder fatigue, a May season debut, and surgery to remove loose bodies from his elbow.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 12, 2026

In spring training, Peters wasn’t even particularly confident that he would make the roster.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 17, 2026

Prior believes Snell will need at least four to five outings, likening it to a spring training buildup.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 12, 2026

When spring training rolled around, the only question left was whether the work would pay off.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 1, 2026

But just above his head there hung a baize-covered board containing a list or two of the parish ratepayers and the usual notice of the spring training of the Royal Cornwall Eangers Militia.

From The Delectable Duchy by Sir Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch