# pretrial

/pɹiˈtɹaɪəɫ/ (US) · /pɹiːtɹˈaɪəl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pretrial
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

a meeting or hearing that happens before a trial starts. It is used to discuss things like evidence and witness lists so the trial can go smoothly.

For teachers: a hearing or proceeding held before the commencement of a trial to resolve procedural matters or determine the admissibility of evidence.

## Examples

- The judge held a pretrial to discuss the evidence.
- During the pretrial, both lawyers agreed on which witnesses would be allowed to testify during the main trial.
- The defense attorney filed a motion to exclude certain digital evidence, which was addressed during the pretrial hearing to avoid wasting time during the actual jury proceedings.

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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.