# preseason

/ˌpɹiˈsizən/ (US) · /pɹɪsˈiːzən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/preseason
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. sports preparation period

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

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

Teaching tip: In American English, this is often written as one word; in British English, it is occasionally hyphenated as 'pre-season'.

### 2. to season food early

verb · CEFR C2 · Technical

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

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

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

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

## Examples

- The team looks very strong this preseason.
- During the preseason, the coach focuses on fitness drills and integrating new signings into the starting lineup.
- While preseason results rarely predict league standings, they provide essential data for medical staff to assess the physical readiness of athletes returning from injury.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.