overture

American  

[oh-ver-cher, -choor] / ˈoʊ vər tʃər, -ˌtʃʊər /

noun

1. an opening or initiating move toward negotiations, a new relationship, an agreement, etc.; a formal or informal proposal or offer.

   overtures of peace; a shy man who rarely made overtures of friendship.

2. Music.

   1. an orchestral composition forming the prelude or introduction to an opera, oratorio, etc.

   2. an independent piece of similar character.

3. an introductory part, as of a poem; prelude; prologue.

4. (in Presbyterian churches)

   1. the action of an ecclesiastical court in submitting a question or proposal to presbyteries.

   2. the proposal or question so submitted.

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verb (used with object)

overtured, overturing

1. to submit as an overture or proposal.

   to overture conditions for a ceasefire.

2. to make an overture or proposal to.

   to overture one's adversary through a neutral party.

overture British  

/ ˈəʊvəˌtjʊə /

noun

1. music

   1. a piece of orchestral music containing contrasting sections that is played at the beginning of an opera or oratorio, often containing the main musical themes of the work

   2. a similar piece preceding the performance of a play

   3. Also called: concert overture.  a one-movement orchestral piece, usually having a descriptive or evocative title

   4. a short piece in three movements ( French overture or Italian overture ) common in the 17th and 18th centuries

2. (often plural) a proposal, act, or gesture initiating a relationship, negotiation, etc

3. something that introduces what follows

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verb

1. to make or present an overture to

2. to introduce with an overture

overture Cultural  

1. A piece of music for instruments alone, written as an introduction to a longer work, such as an opera, an oratorio, or a musical comedy.

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Related Words

See proposal.

Etymology

Origin of overture

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Old French; overt, -ure; doublet of aperture

Example Sentences

In a diplomatic overture, the Communist regime is aiming to open up its moribund economy to the affluent Cuban-American diaspora.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 17, 2026

But those two events are mere overture to “Fukushima: A Nuclear Nightmare”—a nonfiction thriller that marks the 15th anniversary of what was certainly a catastrophe but might well have been worse.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

Pyongyang has not responded to the overture from Lee, who has sought to mend fractured ties with the North.

From Barron's • Dec. 26, 2025

Beginning at twilight and extending into the evening, “The Cortège” starts with an overture, a six-piece band performing in the center of the field.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 11, 2025

Kashdan responded to Bobby’s overture and later commented: “I had no real problem with him. All he wants to do is to play chess. He is a tremendous player.”

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

Related Words

• bid
• invitation
• presentation
• proposal
• proposition
• signal
• suggestion