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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.
The litigation that launched last year has been intense, with numerous filings and pretrial maneuvers. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 25 Nov. 2025 Nathan and his public defenders wrote about Chakalos' mistress in a 2022 motion for pretrial release. Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 24 Nov. 2025 The court then dismissed the felony charge for insufficient evidence and ended Buzzard’s pretrial supervision, according to the prosecution. Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 21 Nov. 2025 As such, Hayes argued that the Speedy Trial Act does not apply in this case because LaSota is a pretrial detainee, jailed while awaiting criminal proceedings, as opposed to an incarcerated defendant serving a prior criminal conviction. Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 21 Nov. 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 1 Dec. 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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