(~s)
1.
The ~ to an event is the period of time just before it. (mainly BRIT)
The company believes the products will sell well in the ~ to Christmas.
N-SING: usu the N to n
2.
In sport, a ~ is the run made by a player or athlete, for example before throwing a ball or a javelin, or before jumping.
When I began to compete again, I was struggling with my ~.
N-COUNT