warm up
Britishverb
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to make or become warm or warmer
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(intr) to exercise in preparation for and immediately before a game, contest, or more vigorous exercise
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to get ready for something important; prepare
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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
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to make or become more animated or enthusiastic
the party warmed up when Tom came
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to reheat (already cooked food) or (of such food) to be reheated
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(tr) to make (an audience) relaxed and receptive before a show, esp a television comedy show
noun
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the act or an instance of warming up
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a preparatory exercise routine
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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]
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Make enthusiastic, excited, or animated, as in He was good at warming up an audience for the main speaker . [Mid-1800s]
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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]
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Reach a temperature high enough to work efficiently, as in I'll go out and warm up the car . [Mid-1900s]
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Reheat food, as in If we warm up the leftovers, we'll have enough for everyone . [Mid-1800s]
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Approach a state of violence or confrontation, as in Racial tension was rapidly warming up . Also see heat up .
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The state visit comes at a time when Americans are appearing to warm up to China, according to recent polls.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 24, 2026
It may start to warm up slightly later this week with temperatures in the south-east up to the mid-20s Celsius.
From BBC ● Sep. 8, 2026
You don’t warm up to Carol at the beginning, and it’s on purpose.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 17, 2026
We didn’t warm up on the range before the match.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 17, 2026
I mean, why would you run to warm up?
From "Ghost" by Jason Reynolds
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
