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.
Ragland was convicted of murder in 2002 and sentenced to 30 years in prison, but the Kentucky Supreme Court overturned his conviction in 2005 after it was discovered that an FBI bullet analyst lied during a pretrial conference. Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 2 Aug. 2025 Second, in some circumstances, the judicial official conducts a pretrial release inquiry and sets bail if warranted. Arkansas Online, 31 July 2025 An initial pretrial conference has been set for August 14. Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 17 July 2025 She was denied pretrial release, according to prosecutors, and is scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 4. Kate Linderman, Kansas City Star, 14 July 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 Aug. 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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