preflight

[ pree-flahyt ]

adjective

1. occurring or done before a flight:

   a preflight briefing of the plane's crew.

noun

1. a preflight briefing or a ground check, as of an airplane.

preflight

/ ˈpriːˈflaɪt /

adjective

1. of or relating to the period just prior to a plane taking off

Word History and Origins

Origin of preflight¹

First recorded in 1920–25; pre- + flight ¹

Example Sentences

Inspection of the hardware was required by the pilot during each preflight inspection and during the most recent 100-hour inspection in October 2022, according to the report.

From Seattle Times

The soleus also showed a decrease in stiffness compared to preflight, but it did increase gradually over time on the ISS.

From Science Daily

With that as my only preflight instruction, I made my way to the bright red, 25-seat, open-sided TMZ tour bus.

From Los Angeles Times

After a two-hour wait, due mostly to preflight inspections that are usually done ahead of time, the airplane left for Seattle at 3:30 a.m.

From Seattle Times

With that as my only preflight instruction, I made my way to the bright red, 25-seat, open-sided TMZ tour bus.

From Los Angeles Times