foreplay

/ˈfɔrˌpleɪ/
noun
  1. Sexual activity that happens before intercourse, intended to increase pleasure and arousal.
    • Many couples find that spending time on foreplay makes the experience more enjoyable for both partners.
    • They agreed that foreplay was an important part of their intimate time together.
    • The book offered advice on how to improve communication about foreplay in a relationship.
  2. Actions or events that build up to something more important or intense, often used in a figurative or non-sexual way.
    • The negotiations were a long period of foreplay before the final agreement was signed.
    • The political debate was just foreplay for the main election campaign.
    • The opening band's performance felt like foreplay for the headliner's show.