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

“We sucked against this team,” he said pregame.

From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2026

When told of the injury update during his pregame news conference, Redick was not fazed.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 25, 2026

How many of us learned Friday night about the vaunted tradition of the coaches’ pregame handshake?

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

Sophomore guard Charlie Adams, who scored 24 points in the Cavaliers’ 68-64 overtime win against Fairfax in the semifinals, was limited to 13 Friday night — part of Bryant’s pregame plan.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 28, 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