preflight

1 of 3

adjective

pre·​flight ˈprē-ˌflīt How to pronounce preflight (audio)
: preparing for or preliminary to flight (as of an aircraft)
a preflight inspection

preflight

2 of 3

verb

preflighted; preflighting; preflights

transitive verb

: to inspect (an aircraft) before a flight

preflight

3 of 3

noun

: a preflight inspection of an aircraft

Examples of preflight in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Adjective
The complaint further alleged the company failed to perform a preflight inspection of the helicopter; failed to make sure the pilot was appropriately trained and competent to handle in-flight emergencies; and failed to inspect the main rotor blades for possible delamination. David Chiu, PEOPLE, 22 Apr. 2026 American Airlines noted that drivers should never assume a pilot can see them, especially in high-traffic areas such as aprons and ramps, where crews are occupied with critical preflight checks. Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 16 Apr. 2026
Noun
American Airlines noted that drivers should never assume a pilot can see them, especially in high-traffic areas such as aprons and ramps, where crews are occupied with critical preflight checks. Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 16 Apr. 2026 Blue Origin plans hot fire preflight test Blue Origin is likely to announce a target launch date after conducting a preflight test known as a hot fire. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for preflight

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1942, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1945, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of preflight was in 1942

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Preflight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preflight. Accessed 30 Apr. 2026.

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