pep rally

American  

noun

1. a meeting, especially of students before an interscholastic athletic contest, to stimulate group enthusiasm by rousing talks, songs, cheers, etc.

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Etymology

Origin of pep rally

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

Dancers bounced to the sound of BTS on an avenue in Mexico City, clapping and screaming at a pep rally kicking off a string of concerts by the South Korean superstars.

From Barron's • May 5, 2026

Think of it as a pep rally where family members hype the gymnasts.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2026

But they were responding to something that many of us hadn’t yet grasped: Despite the pep rally, ESPN’s future was guaranteed to be much less auspicious and much less ambitious than its glittery past.

From Slate • Dec. 3, 2023

Canceled events include a concert, parade and pep rally, along with all other campus events, including a women’s volleyball match and this week’s classes.

From Washington Times • Oct. 7, 2023

“Good pep rally, but there’s still a ton of things to fix on this ship before we get to the Mediterranean. Please report to Supreme Commander Leo for your superfun list of chores!”

From "The Mark of Athena" by Rick Riordan