pep rally

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of pep rally¹

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

Yates was an incredible physical presence at Firefly, dunking on phantom Nerf hoops, rowing imaginary kayaks down the Colorado River and executing one-man cheerleading routines at the pep rally in his mind.

From Washington Post

She started noticing ramps that were too steep and doorways that were too narrow and bleachers that limited whom she could invite to homecoming pep rallies.

From Washington Post

Counselors who once displayed seniors’ college acceptance letters in school hallways and who organized celebratory pep rallies have resorted to emails and slideshows to try to motivate students.

From Time

A high school vibe overtook the hall: it was a pep rally, complete with its own music video—“Kahana was right,” laments the ditty.

From The Daily Beast

In Manhattan Thursday, President Barack Obama will hold a glitzy pep rally of sorts for Democrats trying to weather the storm.

From The Daily Beast