pretrial

adjective

pre·​tri·​al ˌprē-ˈtrī(-ə)l How to pronounce pretrial (audio)
variants or pre-trial
: occurring or existing before a trial
a pretrial hearing

Examples of pretrial 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 judge will hold his first pretrial court hearing with the prosecution and defense attorneys July 15. — Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 29 June 2026 Murdaugh's attorneys have already filed other pretrial motions. — ABC News, 29 June 2026 During a pretrial detention hearing on Monday, a judge denied the state's request to hold Arnold without bond until his trial. — Dejanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 30 June 2026 The crucial pretrial hearing was pushed back as prosecutors and defense attorneys sparred over what evidence could be presented and if cameras would be allowed in the courtroom. — N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for pretrial

Word History

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pretrial was in 1894

Rhymes for pretrial

See All Rhymes for pretrial

Browse Nearby Words

pretreatment
pretrial
pretrimmed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Legal Definition

pretrial

adjective
pre·​tri·​al
ˌprē-ˈtrī-əl
: existing or occurring before trial
a pretrial motion
a pretrial detainee
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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