/wawrm"up'/ , n.
1. an act or instance of warming up: The spectators came early to watch the players go through their warmups. The dancers went through a quick warmup.
2. the period before a radio or television broadcast when the audience is entertained so that it will be more receptive to the actual program.
3. Also, warm up . the time lapse between turning on the power in an electronic component or device and the time it is operable.
4. Often, warmups . any apparel, esp. a sweat suit, worn over other clothing for warmth, chiefly in sports or during preliminary exercise.
Also, warm-up .
[ 1840-50; n. use of v. phrase warm up ]