warmup
warmup Lexical Profile
warmup Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A period or series of light physical exercises performed before a game, workout, or performance to stretch the muscles and prevent injury.
"A proper fifteen-minute warmup is essential before running a marathon."
A preliminary activity, trial, or opening act that prepares people or an audience for a main event.
"The local comedian served as the warmup for the headlining performer."
North American Loose, comfortable athletic clothing, such as a tracksuit or sweatpants and a jacket, worn over a uniform during pre-game exercises (usually used in the plural).
"The basketball players took off their warmups just before tip-off."
• adjective
Serving to prepare the body, mind, or audience for a main activity, competition, or performance.
"The choir sang a few warmup scales before starting the rehearsal."
Word Nuance & Usage
The closed noun and adjective form 'warmup' (or hyphenated 'warm-up') should be distinguished from the open phrasal verb 'warm up' (as in 'The athletes need to warm up before the race').