pretrial

adjective

pre·​tri·​al ˌprē-ˈtrī(-ə)l 

variants or pre-trial

: occurring or existing before a trial

a pretrial hearing

Examples of pretrial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Flores appeared on a related matter and the federal judge presiding over the case denied her pretrial release on bail. — ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026

Flores has separately sought release from pretrial detention on health grounds, a request opposed by prosecutors. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2026

In February of that year, he was arrested on a handgun possession charge and was granted pretrial release. — Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026

Your passionate statement to a reporter during pretrial hearings marked the first time a member of your family publicly expressed doubt regarding Simpson’s innocence. — Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pretrial

• dial
• rial
• thiol
• trial
• vial
• denial
• mistrial
• posttrial
• retrial
• sensorial

Legal Definition

pretrial

adjective

pre·​tri·​al

ˌprē-ˈtrī-əl

: existing or occurring before trial

a pretrial motion

a pretrial detainee