warm up

British  

verb

1. to make or become warm or warmer

2. (intr) to exercise in preparation for and immediately before a game, contest, or more vigorous exercise

3. to get ready for something important; prepare

4. to run or operate (an engine, etc) until the normal working temperature or condition is attained, or (of an engine, etc) to undergo this process

5. to make or become more animated or enthusiastic

   the party warmed up when Tom came

6. to reheat (already cooked food) or (of such food) to be reheated

7. (tr) to make (an audience) relaxed and receptive before a show, esp a television comedy show

---

noun

1. the act or an instance of warming up

2. a preparatory exercise routine

warm up Idioms  

1. Prepare for exercise or an athletic event by stretching or practicing beforehand, as in It's important to warm up before you play any sport . The idiom is also applied to musicians getting ready to perform. [Late 1800s]

2. Make enthusiastic, excited, or animated, as in He was good at warming up an audience for the main speaker . [Mid-1800s]

3. Also, warm up to . Become friendlier or more receptive toward, as in I had a hard time warming up to my mother-in-law . [Early 1800s]

4. Reach a temperature high enough to work efficiently, as in I'll go out and warm up the car . [Mid-1900s]

5. Reheat food, as in If we warm up the leftovers, we'll have enough for everyone . [Mid-1800s]

6. Approach a state of violence or confrontation, as in Racial tension was rapidly warming up . Also see heat up .

---

Example Sentences

The pair got into a hot bath while wearing swimming costumes to warm up, it said.

From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026

Scientists say emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases warm up the planet, causing potentially disastrous climate changes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

The pair went back to Ghost's beachside apartment with MacInnes running a hot bath for Ghost, who had got into a shower to warm up.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

But before you go hustling this half-million-dollar bison through the cones at the school drop-off, be sure to warm up the tires.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

I'll be tap ing that back in place because I'll need that heat to warm up the return air from the regulator.

From "The Martian" by Andy Weir

Related Words

• arrange
• assemble
• brace
• develop
• draw up
• equip
• form
• formulate
• gird
• make
• plan
• produce
• provide
• qualify
• ready
• strengthen
• supply
• train