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

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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 .

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Example Sentences

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

From Barron's • Apr. 28, 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

For all the contributors keeping warm up and down the Dodgers’ lineup, the members of the Rockies’ ground crew were the real heroes of Friday’s game.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

It was a pedestrian start to Littler's semi-final with Van Gerwen, with the Dutchman taking time to warm up having received a bye due to Gian van Veen having to pull out with kidney stones.

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026

Happens in the summer when the water starts to warm up.

From "The Young Man and the Sea" by Rodman Philbrick

Related Words

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