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.
California law allows defendants accused of misdemeanors who currently served or were a member of the U.S. military and suffer from a range of mental health problems as a result of their military service to be placed by the court into a pretrial diversion program. Michael Slaten, Oc Register, 24 July 2025 In April, officials were suspicious Haddix may have acquired a chimpanzee when pretrial service officers made an unannounced visit to Haddix’s home. Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 23 July 2025 Incarceration was especially difficult for those who were held for months pretrial without ever being convicted and those incarcerated during COVID restrictions who spent more than 23 hours a day in their cells. Helena Addison, The Conversation, 18 July 2025 In a memorandum filed in federal court, supporting the prosecution’s request for pretrial detention, Assistant US Attorney Luke A. Goldworm highlights how Brookline Police seized several items of clothing that matched the attire Gavin was seen wearing in photos the teacher sent to his victims. Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 18 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 30 Jul. 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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