1. to make someone warmer.

1. Stand by the fire and warm yourself up.

2. Warm up the kids and then give them some cookies.

2. Fig. to help someone get physically prepared to perform in an athletic event. (As if exercising or loosening up someone’s muscles.)

1. The referee told the coach to warm his team up so the game could begin.

2. You have to warm up the team before a game.

3. Be sure to warm yourself up before playing.

3. Fig. to prepare an audience for another—more famous—performer.

1. A singer came out to warm us up for the main attraction.

2. This comedian is a superb choice to warm up the audience.