warm up1
1Prepare for physical exertion or a performance by exercising or practising gently beforehand: the band were warming up...
- Next, students practice warming up exercises in unison.
- It is important that you warm up gently before you start any exercises and do not strain at all.
- Be sure to warm up and stretch before exercising.
Synonyms
limber up, loosen up, stretch, work out, exercise, get into condition, get into shape, practise, prepare, get ready;
rehearse
1.1(Of an engine or electrical appliance) reach a temperature high enough to allow it to operate efficiently: the television takes a while to warm up...
- By this time the truck's engine has warmed up enough to allow a shift up into second gear, then third and finally fourth - or top gear.
- This allows the engine to warm up faster, cutting exhaust emissions, and reduces fuel consumption by about 3 percent because it is not geared to the engine.
- Check that the tyre pressures are correct, the brakes are in good working order and that the engine warms up as quickly as possible.
1.2Become livelier or more animated: after several more rounds, things began to warm up in the bar
See parent entry: warm
warm-up2
/ˈwɔːmʌp
/noun
1A period or act of preparation for a match, performance, or exercise session, involving gentle exercise or practice: the pre-match warm-up...
- The Broncos, who need points to pull away from the threat of relegation, suffered a blow in the pre-match warm-up.
- The music can easily be incorporated into stretching exercises, warm-ups, aerobic workouts, strength training, yoga and Pilates.
- I have to report that possibly Scotland's most prestigious golf development, the new complex at Archerfield in East Lothian, has no plans at present to provide a basic gym for pre-match warm-ups.
1.1 (warm-ups) North American A garment worn during light exercise or training; a tracksuit: he took off his warm-ups and started shaking his muscles...
- I want to look nice, but from the lack of knowledge in men's fashion, I see myself wearing old jeans or warm-ups too much.
- Loose fitting, long-sleeved shirts with collars and slacks provide the most protection from UV violet rays and should be a recommended part of school attire and warm-ups for athletic uniforms.
- Even if you can't pick out the leotard style you want, you can choose your shoes, tights, and hair clips; sometimes skirts; and occasionally leg warmers or warm-ups for barre.
1.2A period before a stage performance in which the audience is entertained in order to make it more receptive to the main act: [as modifier]: a warm-up act...
- This is a short comedy intended as a warm-up act for the main attraction.
- The Charisma duet and solo performer Luci are some of the warm-up acts.
- The only problem, of course, is that it's never a good idea to use a genius as your warm-up act.