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preseason

n. · v.
US //ˌpɹiˈsizən// UK //pɹɪsˈiːzən// pre·sea·son
  1. 1 sports preparation period (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Sport

    the period of time before a sports season begins when players train and play practice matches.

    the period preceding the official start of a competitive sports season, dedicated to physical conditioning, tactical training, and exhibition matches.

    Example

    The team traveled to Spain for their preseason training camp to escape the cold weather.

    Example

    During the preseason, the coach focused on integrating the new signings into the defensive line before the first league match in August.

    Usage

    often used as a noun or as a modifier before another noun, like 'preseason game'.

    Teacher's tip

    In American English, this is often written as one word; in British English, it is occasionally hyphenated as 'pre-season'.
  2. 2 to season food early (v.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Cooking

    to put salt, pepper, or spices on food some time before you cook it.

    to apply salt, herbs, or spices to food well in advance of the cooking process to allow flavours to penetrate.

    Example

    You should preseason the steak with salt an hour before putting it on the grill.

    Example

    The chef advised the apprentices to preseason the cast-iron skillets to ensure a naturally non-stick surface for the delicate fish fillets.

    Usage

    a transitive verb requiring a direct object, typically a type of meat or a cooking surface.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is rare in everyday conversation and is mostly found in professional recipes or technical manuals for cookware.
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