warmup

or warm-up

[ wawrm-uhp ]

/ ˈwɔrmˌʌp /

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noun

an act or instance of warming up: The spectators came early to watch the players go through their warmups.The dancers went through a quick warmup.

the period before a radio or television broadcast when the audience is entertained so that it will be more receptive to the actual program.

Also warm up . the time lapse between turning on the power in an electronic component or device and the time it is operable.

Often warm·ups. any apparel, especially a sweat suit, worn over other clothing for warmth, chiefly in sports or during preliminary exercise.

verb phrase warm up

to prepare for a game, sports contest, dance, etc., by moderate exercise or practice beforehand.

to entertain (an audience) prior to a broadcast to increase receptiveness.

to increase in excitement, intensity, violence, etc.: The racial situation was warming up.

to become friendlier or more receptive: No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't warm up to that proposal.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of warmup

First recorded in 1840–50; warm (in the verb sense “to make warm, heat”) + up (adverb used as a function word); the noun is derived from the verb phrase

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use warmup in a sentence

If you need to store the bottle in the fridge, let it warm up for a few minutes on the counter before serving.
Champagne: You’re Drinking It All Wrong|Kayleigh Kulp|December 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In a World Cup warm-up game, the players held up a banner saying the islands were Argentinean.
The Never-Ending Falklands War: In Buenos Aires, A Museum's Selective History|Michael Luongo|August 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
On a “warm up session,” he can be seen donning a checkered shirt and baseball hat atop his bushy ponytail.
Meet Abdel-Majed Abdel Bary, aka L. Jinny, the Ali G of Evil|Olivia Nuzzi|August 26, 2014|DAILY BEAST
At eight o'clock the team filed out to warm up, Sawchuck leading, wide-legged in his goalie pads, and Howe last.
Gordie Howe Hockey’s Greatest War Horse|W.C. Heinz|May 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Warm up with a croissant and a mug of Counter Culture organic coffee at A Café at AKA Central Park (42 W. 58th St.).
The Untouristy Guide to the Holidays in New York|Condé Nast Traveler|December 11, 2013|DAILY BEAST
It will commence to "warm up" sometime in April or May, and will be ready to sample or uncase about the first of September.
Tobacco; Its History, Varieties, Culture, Manufacture and Commerce|E. R. Billings.
With a bucket of water and a broomstick he beat out the fire, and went for a run to warm up.
Love's Pilgrimage|Upton Sinclair
Cut up a chicken into joints, warm up three onions and three turnips in butter; when brown add the pieces of fowl.
Dressed Game and Poultry la Mode|Harriet A. de Salis
He had just begun to warm up, when he heard the animal returning.
Hidden Gold|Wilder Anthony
"I can't make it out, Ned," he said as the boys stood watching the mechanics warm up the engines of the big seaplane.
Tom Swift and His Giant Telescope|Victor Appleton

British Dictionary definitions for warmup

warm up

verb (adverb)

to make or become warm or warmer

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

to get ready for something important; prepare

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

to make or become more animated or enthusiasticthe party warmed up when Tom came

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

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

noun warm-up

the act or an instance of warming up

a preparatory exercise routine

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Idioms and Phrases with warmup

warm up

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]

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

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]

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

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

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