Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
pre-game

pre-game

5.4
A small meeting of friends before a party or sporting event to drink and get ready
  • noun
  • /priːˈɡeɪm/
  • Informal
translation icon : previa
  • We're meeting at Jake's apartment for the pre-game before heading to the concert.

Examples

  • Everyone enjoyed the pre-game party, laughing and socializing before the big game.

  • The pre-game at the tailgate was almost as much fun as the football match itself.

  • She always plans a fun pre-game so everyone can relax and get in the mood.

  • We had a fun pre-game at my house.

  • The pre-game festivities were amazing!

  • The pre-game gathering included drinks and appetizers to kick off the celebration.

  • We organized a small pre-game at our house to get everyone excited for the event.

Synonyms

pregame
vspre-game
  • Slang
1 5.1

A small party where friends meet and drink before a main event

is more informal and may include preparation for the main event
pregame festivities
vspre-game
  • US
1 3.5

Social events before a sports game with food, drinks, and music

is a smaller informal gathering focused on drinks and prep rather than large celebrations

Antonyms

postgame
  • US
5 3.1

The time right after a sports game when people talk and celebrate

Surface Forms

pre-game singular
pre-games plural

Morphology

pre-game = game (semi-transparent) = pre + game

The temporal relation 'pre-' = before and 'game' = match is clear, but the specific sense 'a social gathering before an event' is an extended, idiomatic use.

Etymology

Pre-game comes from the parts pre- ('before') and game ('fun' or 'event'), so it means a small gathering or warm-up party that happens before the main event.