preseason

noun

pre·​sea·​son ˌprē-ˈsē-zᵊn 

ˈprē-ˌsē-zᵊn

plural preseasons

: a period of time immediately preceding a season

tourists who visit during the preseason

especially : a training period preceding a sport's regular season in which teams compete in unofficial games

The preseason starts in two weeks.

performed well in (the) preseason

Quarterback John Friesz was lost for the year in the preseason to knee surgery.

—Paul Zimmerman

Dennis Rodman's mysterious boycott finally ended on Monday when he arrived for practice for the first time since the start of preseason.

—Jack McCallum

preseason adjective

preseason football

preseason training

the preseason opener/finale

preseason rankings/polls

the preseason favorite

Examples of preseason in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Teams with three preseason all-state picks are Bremen, Dodge County, Fitzgerald and Thomasville. — Todd Holcomb, AJC.com, 9 Aug. 2026

His return to the booth comes during the second of the Bucs’ three preseason games. — Abby Disalvo, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Aug. 2026

The former Florida Gator will help the Panthers get through training camp and through their next three preseason games without overburdening backup Kenny Pickett and starter Bryce Young. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 9 Aug. 2026

Will training camp and preseason give a glimpse of how Moore utilizes his new offensive weapons to keep the momentum? — Gladys Louise Tyler, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1914, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for preseason

• milesian
• partizan
• postseason
• unreason
• reason
• season
• seizin
• treason