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.
He was released from jail in New Orleans on Tuesday, and a pretrial hearing is scheduled for March 19. Michaela Zee, Variety, 18 Feb. 2026 Callella remains out of custody but must have his electronics monitored as part of pretrial restrictions, NBC News affiliate KVOA reported. Liz Kreutz, NBC news, 17 Feb. 2026 The defense asked for a change of venue because of pretrial publicity, and prosecutors agreed. John Raby, Los Angeles Times, 16 Feb. 2026 An investigator testified at a pretrial hearing that Colin Gray had given his son the gun as a gift the Christmas before the shooting and bought a larger magazine so the weapon could hold more rounds. ABC News, 16 Feb. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pretrial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pretrial. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.

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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