preseason

noun

pre·​sea·​son ˌprē-ˈsē-zᵊn How to pronounce preseason (audio)
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
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.
Carter’s preseason odds have been in the top 10 in this category by multiple sportsbooks. Zach Berman, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026 Garrett sat out most of training camp and preseason practices because of a knee issue. Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026 The latest lawsuit in the eligibility saga is focused around LSU rostering multiple players who were cut from NFL teams after the preseason. Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2026 The Dolphins had the starting offense on the field for one series in the preseason and the end result was a forceful rushing attack that led to a touchdown. Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for preseason

Word History

First Known Use

1914, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of preseason was in 1914

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Cite this Entry

“Preseason.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preseason. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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