warm up

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

Idioms and Phrases

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 .

Example Sentences

Well, kind of — Glasnow said he was in the bathroom when the call came down for him to start warming up.

From Los Angeles Times

By the time Sasaki started warming up in the bottom of the eighth inning, he might as well have already inherited the closer role by default.

From Los Angeles Times

They arrive early to warm up the crowd and stay until the bitter end even if nobody is left to watch them.

From Los Angeles Times

Enjoy them straight out of the box or warmed up in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes.

From Salon

The former Manchester City and Leicester City forward was the only substitute out warming up at half-time and he was brought on for the restart.

From BBC

Related Words

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