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

See Examples For:

pregame pregaming

“Thank you for that question,” Nakase, a former Clippers assistant coach, said during her pregame news conference.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 3, 2026

Forward Alyssa Thomas dominated with 19 points, 11 rebounds and 15 assists, while guard Kahleah Copper poured in 21 points to lead the Mercury precisely, as Sparks coach Lynne Roberts expected pregame.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 22, 2026

She mostly interviews attendees, but the traffic jam had cut into her pregame window.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 18, 2026

Brazilians will pack into a Queens restaurant where samba dancers provide pregame entertainment.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 11, 2026

And while I wouldn’t exactly call her animated, as of late her arm actions had been fairly unrestrained during the pregame greeting.

From "Anthem of a Reluctant Prophet" by Joanne Proulx

Comedian and actor Jim Gaffigan, speaking on the way to a comedy gig in New York, said he figured people were pregaming for his show given the high price of alcohol.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 23, 2026

Despite her careful pregaming, Moody managed to snag a spot in just four of the seven camp sessions she’d aimed for, including half-days focused on chemistry and physics.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 15, 2026

Its lyrics are vague enough that it can score country-club mixers and sorority house pregaming.

From Slate ● Nov. 7, 2011