pregame

American  

[pree-geym] / ˈpriˌgeɪm /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or happening in the period just before a sports game.

   The coach was interviewed in a pregame broadcast.

2. noting or relating to the consumption of liquor before attending a party or other event.

   pregame drinking.

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noun

1. an event or broadcast relating to and occurring just before a sports game.

   Thirty people attended the pregame.

verb (used with or without object)

pregamed, pregaming

1. to drink liquor before going to (a party, game, or other event).

   We pregamed at my house to save some money.

Etymology

Origin of pregame

First recorded in 1910–15; pre- + game ¹

Example Sentences

Sophomore guard Charlie Adams, who scored 24 points in the Cavaliers’ 68-64 overtime win against Fairfax in the semifinals, was limited to 13 Friday night — part of Bryant’s pregame plan.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 28, 2026

That might have been the least surprising aspect of Hollins’ pregame looks since he has been known to wear shoes only when absolutely necessary.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 9, 2026

Anthropic will also run a 60-second pregame ad featuring a man in therapy, seeking to improve communication with his mother.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 4, 2026

Richardson hosts NBA HooperVision in addition to the pregame, halftime and postgame shows for the Magic.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 31, 2026

And while I wouldn’t exactly call her animated, as of late her arm actions had been fairly unrestrained during the pregame greeting.

From "Anthem of a Reluctant Prophet" by Joanne Proulx