preseason

[ pree-see-zuhn ]

noun

1. a period before the season, especially the period of time in organized sports when athletes train and practice for the regular season: Deer hunters set aside time in the preseason to repair and maintain their stands, set trail cameras, and clear branches or brush from shooting lanes.

   As a professional athlete, I just try not to get injured in the preseason.

   Deer hunters set aside time in the preseason to repair and maintain their stands, set trail cameras, and clear branches or brush from shooting lanes.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or occurring in the preseason: The resort offers discounted preseason ski passes in November.

   Some of the coaching staff was replaced after an embarrassing preseason loss to the weakest team in the league.

   The resort offers discounted preseason ski passes in November.

verb (used with object)

1. to season (food) with condiments, spices, herbs, or the like before it is packaged or cooked:

   Preseason the roast with a teaspoon of salt per pound of meat several hours before grilling it.

preseason

/ ˈpriːˌsiːzən /

noun

1. 1. the period immediately before the official season for a particular sport begins
   2. ( as modifier )

      a series of preseason friendly matches

Word History and Origins

Origin of preseason¹

An Americanism dating back to 1890–95; pre- ( def ) + season ( def )

Example Sentences

The preseason game in 2021 when two Washington defenders sandwiched him on a tackle and bent his knee and tore two ligaments.

From Los Angeles Times

The Times’ preseason top 25 boys basketball rankings.

From Los Angeles Times

Olivari, who earned a two-way contract in the preseason, scored 28 points to go with 10 rebounds and six assists while shooting seven for 15 from three-point range.

From Los Angeles Times

Chark Jr. to make his debut after a preseason hip injury.

From Los Angeles Times

The receiver was questionable with a groin injury, but had until Tuesday to be added to the active roster or be put on season-ending injured reserve after initially suffering a hip injury during the preseason.

From Los Angeles Times