preseason

noun

pre·​sea·​son ˌprē-ˈsē-zᵊn How to pronounce preseason (audio)
ˈprē-ˌsē-zᵊn
plural preseasons
: a period of time immediately preceding a season
tourists who visit during the preseason
especially : a training period preceding a sport's regular season in which teams compete in unofficial games
The preseason starts in two weeks.
performed well in (the) preseason
Quarterback John Friesz was lost for the year in the preseason to knee surgery. Paul Zimmerman
Dennis Rodman's mysterious boycott finally ended on Monday when he arrived for practice for the first time since the start of preseason. Jack McCallum
preseason adjective
preseason football
preseason training
the preseason opener/finale
preseason rankings/polls
the preseason favorite

Examples of preseason in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The four-star prospect did not enroll early, so his first full slate of practices at Miami will be in preseason camp. Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 29 June 2026 Design and production delays caused Aston to miss the start of preseason testing. Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 1 July 2026 Back in early 2025, Hamilton took part in a private preseason test with Ferrari and crashed during it. Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 26 June 2026 There is also an abundance of suitable training facilities in the region, which is in the circuit of MLS preseason destinations. Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for preseason

Word History

First Known Use

1914, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of preseason was in 1914

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Cite this Entry

“Preseason.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preseason. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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