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.
Both are due back in court on May 8 for a pretrial conference, and a trial date has been set for Sept. 22. — Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 16 Mar. 2025 Ahead of Friday's pretrial conference, Combs' attorneys and prosecutors outlined a series of trial logistics for Subramanian's review, according to a letter obtained Thursday by USA TODAY. — Edward Segarra, USA TODAY, 14 Mar. 2025 The records were provided to Jones as part of the pretrial exchange of information between parties. — Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 13 Mar. 2025 Marquez has also been ordered to be held without bail, pending a pretrial hearing. — Stepheny Price, Fox News, 10 Mar. 2025 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

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Browse Nearby Words

pretrial
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Cite this Entry

“Pretrial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pretrial. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

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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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