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.
Federal prosecutors Dallas Kaplan, Kenneth Smith and Caryn Finley have focused on other issues in their pretrial motions. — Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2026 In the meantime, Charla Pendergrass is scheduled to return to Wayne County Third Circuit Court on Friday for a pretrial conference on pending charges of first-degree murder, tampering with evidence, felony murder and unlawful imprisonment. — Hannah McIlree, CBS News, 31 July 2026 The charges, including a special circumstance allegation of lying in wait, will be formally addressed before the trial court, and additional pretrial proceedings may be scheduled. — Danielle Bacher, PEOPLE, 30 July 2026 However, the case is now headed for pretrial discovery, where both sides will be required to provide evidence, including emails, studies and sworn testimony, on the technological issues that are key to the case. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 29 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
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Cite this Entry

“Pretrial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pretrial. Accessed 4 Aug. 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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