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

Elizabeth, meanwhile, is seeking pretrial release and has expressed her desire to reunite with her children. — Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026

According to the defense, a favorable ruling on immunity could make additional pretrial motions unnecessary. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026

Authorities said Satary violated the conditions of his pretrial release in 2022, prompting a federal arrest warrant. — Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026

On Saturday, Judge D’Anthony Thedford allowed for Davis’ pretrial release, but ordered him to surrender his firearm owner’s identification card and firearms to law enforcement within 48 hours. — William Lee, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 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