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.
But Holmes earlier this month rejected that request and said he should be granted pretrial release. Melissa Quinn june 30, CBS News, 30 June 2025 Rikers is primarily a pretrial facility, but cases need to move more quickly. Jonathan Lippman, New York Daily News, 27 June 2025 However, the state’s pretrial appeal forced the court to stay the matter, and the case was not reconvened until after a 173-day delay since his initial demand and 110 days since the state’s notice of appeal, Davis noted. Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 27 June 2025 Gardner's attorney: 'A difficult situation' On June 24, a judge ordered Gardner be held without bail during a pretrial detention hearing. Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 26 June 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pretrial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pretrial. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.

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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