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.
Police tried to resuscitate her at the scene, said Assistant District Mary Elizabeth Usher said during pretrial motions Monday. Charlotte Observer, 14 Oct. 2025 There are also pretrial motions in which the parties ask judges to dismiss charges and accept or exclude evidence. The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2025 Fox Sports declines to comment on affidavit Court records show a judge issued a $300 cash bond in Sanchez’s case and a pretrial no contact order. Meriam Bouarrouj, NBC news, 5 Oct. 2025 Both sides may have reasons to cut a deal before pretrial discovery compels Goodell, Gruden and others to testify under oath and share sensitive emails, texts and other documents. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 3 Oct. 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 21 Oct. 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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