pretest

noun

pre·​test ˈprē-ˌtest How to pronounce pretest (audio)
Synonyms of pretestnext
: a preliminary test: such as
a
: a test of the effectiveness or safety of a product prior to its sale
b
: a test to evaluate the preparedness of students for further studies
pretest
(ˌ)prē-ˈtest How to pronounce pretest (audio)
transitive verb

Examples of pretest 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.
Every unit starts with a pretest, so teachers don’t waste time. — Eva-Marie Ayala, Dallas News, 17 Mar. 2021 In preparation for the event, the entire school took a spelling pretest in all English classes. — Charlene Paparizos, cleveland.com, 15 Feb. 2018 After families submit an initial pretest for students, the district manages the weekly testing through mobile clinics that move from campus to campus. — Howard Blume Staff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 3 May 2021 Within 140-170 days after removal, sperm concentration levels returned to pretest levels (40 million/ml). — Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 18 July 2014

Word History

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pretest was in 1923

Rhymes for pretest

See All Rhymes for pretest

Browse Nearby Words

preternaturalism
pretest
pretext
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pretest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pretest. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

pretest

noun
pre·​test (ˈ)prē-ˈtest How to pronounce pretest (audio)
: a test to find out if students are prepared for further studies

Medical Definition

pretest

1 of 2 noun
pre·​test ˈprē-ˌtest How to pronounce pretest (audio)
: a preliminary test
especially : a test of the effectiveness or safety of a product (as a drug) prior to its sale

pretest

2 of 2 transitive verb
pre·​test ˌprē-ˈtest How to pronounce pretest (audio)
: to subject to a pretest
pretested drugs

intransitive verb

: to perform a pretest

More from Merriam-Webster on pretest

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for pretest

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