pregame

American  

[pree-geym] / ˈpriˌgeɪm /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or happening in the period just before a sports game.

   The coach was interviewed in a pregame broadcast.

2. noting or relating to the consumption of liquor before attending a party or other event.

   pregame drinking.

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noun

1. an event or broadcast relating to and occurring just before a sports game.

   Thirty people attended the pregame.

verb (used with or without object)

pregamed, pregaming

1. to drink liquor before going to (a party, game, or other event).

   We pregamed at my house to save some money.

Etymology

Origin of pregame

First recorded in 1910–15; pre- + game ¹

Example Sentences

After grounds crews cleared pregame snow, steady Tyler Glasnow and hot Dodgers bats rolled to a win over the Rockies on Friday in Denver.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2026

Auriemma forcefully reprimanded Staley for a perceived pregame slight surrounding the pregame handshake.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

With Yamamoto’s time being limited with the Dodgers before the WBC, Roberts spoke pregame Saturday about what he hopes to see from his star pitcher in the time leading up to the event.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 21, 2026

One of Smith’s first jobs with the league was highlighting pregame looks on social media.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 9, 2026

Her pregame instructions were spare: no cussing, and no tackling from behind.

From "Outcasts United: An American Town, a Refugee Team, and One Woman's Quest to Make a Difference" by Warren St. John