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

Riley ended his talk with what was essentially an inspirational pregame speech as the Lakers prepared to play the rival he finally conquered, those Boston Celtics.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 22, 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

Players like Stefon Diggs and Caleb Williams carefully construct their pregame “tunnel outfits” for maximum style and virality.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 9, 2026

Anthropic will also run a 60-second pregame ad featuring a man in therapy, seeking to improve communication with his mother.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 4, 2026

“And that wraps up our pregame coverage of tonight’s Warcross opening ceremony!” one analyst exclaims, his voice hoarse.

From "Warcross" by Marie Lu