preseason: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal to Neutral in sports contexts; Neutral in extended business/retail contexts.
Quick answer
What does “preseason” mean?
The period before the official start of a regular competitive season, especially in sports, involving preparatory training, matches, or activities.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The period before the official start of a regular competitive season, especially in sports, involving preparatory training, matches, or activities.
Extends to any period of preparation or activity before the main or official period begins, such as in retail (pre-season sales for upcoming fashion seasons) or agriculture.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
UK English more commonly uses the hyphenated form 'pre-season'. US English slightly favors the solid 'preseason'. Both forms are understood and used in both regions.
Connotations
Neutral and technical in sports; in retail, can connote marketing strategies and discounted prices.
Frequency
High frequency in sports journalism, team communications, and fan discussions. Moderate frequency in retail advertising.
Grammar
How to Use “preseason” in a Sentence
[team/player] + undergo/pcomplete + preseason[coach] + conduct + preseason[to have/go through] + a + rigorous/p successful + preseasonVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “preseason” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The team's pre-season was disrupted by several key injuries.
- Pre-season friendlies are crucial for testing new tactics.
American English
- The quarterback looked sharp during preseason.
- Preseason injuries can derail a team's hopes.
adjective
British English
- They have a busy pre-season schedule in Austria.
- His pre-season fitness levels were exceptional.
American English
- He won the starting job in preseason camp.
- Preseason predictions are often unreliable.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to sales or marketing campaigns for products before their main seasonal launch (e.g., preseason ski wear sales).
Academic
Rare. Might appear in sports science literature discussing training regimens.
Everyday
Common among sports fans discussing team preparations. Also used by shoppers seeking early discounts.
Technical
Standard term in sports management, coaching, and athletic training schedules.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “preseason”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “preseason”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “preseason”
- Using 'preseason' as a verb (e.g., 'We preseasoned hard' – incorrect).
- Confusing 'preseason' with 'offseason' (the break) or 'postseason' (the playoffs).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be written as one word ('preseason') or with a hyphen ('pre-season'). The hyphenated form is more common in UK English, while the solid form is slightly more common in US English. Both are correct.
No, 'preseason' is not standardly used as a verb. Use phrases like 'prepare for the season', 'undergo preseason training', or 'have a preseason' instead.
'Offseason' is the period when there are no official games or competitions, often used for rest, recovery, and individual training. 'Preseason' is the subsequent period of organized, full-team preparation just before the competitive games begin.
Their importance is strategic rather than competitive. They are used for player evaluation, fitness building, tactical experimentation, and team cohesion. Wins and losses in preseason do not count towards the official league standings.
The period before the official start of a regular competitive season, especially in sports, involving preparatory training, matches, or activities.
Preseason is usually formal to neutral in sports contexts; neutral in extended business/retail contexts. in register.
Preseason: in British English it is pronounced /ˌpriːˈsiː.zən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpriːˌsiː.zən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Get through preseason (to complete the difficult preparatory period)”
- “A preseason favorite (a team expected to do well based on preseason form)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'PRE' (before) + 'SEASON' (the main event). It's the time BEFORE the real competition starts.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPORT IS WAR (Preseason is the training and drills before the real battles of the regular season).
Practice
Quiz
In a retail context, 'preseason' typically refers to: