pretrial

adjective

pre·​tri·​al ˌprē-ˈtrī(-ə)l 

variants or pre-trial

: occurring or existing before a trial

a pretrial hearing

Examples of pretrial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The criminal justice bill changed some pretrial release rules. — Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 5 Sep. 2026

Sanft said Davis had been prepared for the possibility of a conviction because of the pretrial rulings. — Chloe Melas, NBC news, 1 Sep. 2026

Even though Vaughn's initial plea was not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect, and a mental status exam was ordered, no pretrial tests were done. — Brett Barrouquere, Arkansas Online, 30 Aug. 2026

Lengthy pretrial periods and resource shortages account for much of that growth. — Ella Siegrist, The Conversation, 28 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pretrial

• dial
• rial
• thiol
• trial
• vial
• denial
• mistrial
• posttrial
• retrial
• sensorial

Legal Definition

pretrial

adjective

pre·​tri·​al

ˌprē-ˈtrī-əl

: existing or occurring before trial

a pretrial motion

a pretrial detainee